Accessible Wheelchair Taxis
On-demand taxi service is an important transportation option for people who require special assistance to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility device. On-demand service provided by taxi companies is different from Calgary Transit Access, which provides pre-arranged service to qualified customers (including those who use mobility devices).
On October 15, 2018 Council approved amendments to the Livery Transport Bylaw 6M2007 which authorized the establishment and implementation of an Accessible Taxi Incentive Program. The program is effective as of January 1, 2019 as set out in the Accessible Taxi Incentive Program Framework.
Accessible Taxi Incentive Program
City Council has approved a program to provide incentives to holders of Accessible Taxi Plate Licences (ATPL) and accessible taxi drivers. The goals of this program are to:
- Improve service to customers requesting on-demand wheelchair accessible taxis
- Reduce costs of purchasing and operating wheelchair accessible vehicles
- Improve 24/7 on-demand wheelchair accessible service delivery
This program will be funded by collecting a nominal fee of $0.10 per-trip, which will be added to the total fare of all taxis and Transportation Network Company trips taken in Calgary.
Overview of incentives
The following is a summary of incentives that are provided through this program:
| Type of Payment | Annual Incentives | Wheelchair Ramp Installation Incentive |
|---|---|---|
|
Type of Payment:
Recipient |
Annual Incentives: Holder of a Valid and Subsisting ATPL | Wheelchair Ramp Installation Incentive: Holder of a Valid and Subsisting ATPL |
|
Type of Payment:
Amount (frequency) |
Annual Incentives: Up to $3,500 (annually) | Wheelchair Ramp Installation Incentive: Up to $25,000 for the installation of a wheelchair ramp and running boards (once per vehicle) |
|
Type of Payment:
Payment Schedule |
Annual Incentives: Following June ATPL renewal | Wheelchair Ramp Installation Incentive: Following criteria being met |
|
Type of Payment:
Criteria Required |
Annual Incentives: Yes | Wheelchair Ramp Installation Incentive: Yes |
| Type of Payment | Annual Incentives | Per-Trip Driver Incentive |
|---|---|---|
|
Type of Payment:
Recipient |
Annual Incentives: Holder of a Valid and Subsisting TDL with an endorsement to operate an accessible vehicle and affiliated with an ATPL | Per-Trip Driver Incentive: Holder of a Valid and Subsisting TDL with an endorsement to operate an accessible vehicle and affiliated with an ATPL (on the WAV Calgary platform) |
|
Type of Payment:
Amount (frequency) |
Annual Incentives: Up to $4,500 (annually) |
Per-Trip Driver Incentive:
$15 for each wheelchair accessible trip completed between 4am and 4pm
$25 for each wheelchair accessible trip completed between 4pm and 4am |
|
Type of Payment:
Payment Schedule |
Annual Incentives: Following driver licence renewal (on birthdate) | Per-Trip Driver Incentive: Monthly |
|
Type of Payment:
Criteria Required |
Annual Incentives: Yes | Per-Trip Driver Incentive: Yes |