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Yellow Cab hails handicapped-accessible taxis
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Lucy Spruill of Squirrel Hill rolls down the ramp from her taxi ride to Market Square with driver Eddie Green Monday.
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The parent company of Yellow Cab debuted 15 handicapped-accessible taxis today.
"Built for as many as six individuals including the driver, wheelchair or scooter, and four additional passengers, they clearly are the best specialized vehicle on the market," said Jamie Campolongo, president of Pittsburgh Transportation Group. "This robust design allows the wheelchair passenger to actually ride shotgun and not be relegated to the rear of the vehicle."
The taxis were on display at an event in Market Square today. The first official passenger was Lucy Spruill, issues director for United Cerebral Palsy and a prominent advocate for the rights of the disabled, who was transported to the event.
Fares for the accessible taxis will be the same as for other Yellow Cabs.
Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said the vehicles further his program of improving accessibility in Pittsburgh, through ADA-compliant crosswalks, audible signals at intersections and informational packets created for business owners.
"As we continue to improve our efforts, I'm thrilled that PTG has recognized the needs of Pittsburgh's disabled community by adding handicapped-accessible taxis to its fleet," he said.
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First Published February 11, 2013 1:36 pm
