Santa Perez, of the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities, speaks in support of Handicab during the public comment section of the March 24th Taxicab Authority meeting.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Residents With Mobility Issues Support Handicab at Nevada Taxicab Authority Meeting

Las Vegas, Nevada, March 25, 2009 – Tuesday’s meeting of the Nevada Taxicab Authority was standing room only as members of Las Vegas’ senior and disability community filled the hearing room in support of Handicab, a proposed taxicab company that would cater to people with disabilities.

Handicab has applied to the Taxicab Authority for medallions to operate up to 40 handicap-accessible taxicabs in Clark County. Opposition from the current taxicab companies is expected at the formal hearing of the case set for April 23-24. The opposing taxicab companies submitted a petition of summary judgment to deny Handicab’s application without a hearing. That motion will be discussed at a special meeting of the Taxicab Authority Board on April 7^th at 9 AM.

Organizers counted 36 activists in attendance at the regularly scheduled Tuesday meeting —many with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and white canes.

Standing Room Only at the Nevada Taxicab Authority Meeting

During the public comment portion of the meeting, twelve residents spoke about the need for better taxi transportation options for people with mobility issues. Alan Bredow, a member of the Nevada Council of the Blind Lions Club, said, “The taxi drivers don’t want to leave their spot at the hotel taxi stand and come make a short run with somebody who has groceries. So I’m waiting and waiting. It’s disheartening.”

Santa Perez, president of the Nevada Chapter of People First, also spoke in favor of Handicab. Using a voice translator, Perez read a letter of endorsement from the Nevada Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. She then added her own experiences with taxi transportation in Las Vegas. “They do not even talk to me or tie me down in the proper way.  This is a safety issue.  So, in my eyes, some taxicabs are violating the law.  Please give licensing to Handicab for people with disabilities to have a safe ride whenever they need or want a taxi,” says Perez.

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A three hour wait for a taxi…this is supposedly “meeting the needs” of the community…

Santa Perez and David Kilton of People First of Nevada discuss Las Vegas taxicabs and people with disabilities at the Nevada Taxicab Authority Meeting on January 27, 2009.