Taxi company has wheelchair-accessible van
Service costs same as a regular cab ride
A taxi company in North Sydney has just become the first taxi business in Cape Breton to offer a wheelchair-accessible van to disabled clients.
Gateway Taxi is a new business that was started last month by Josh Rambeau along with his wife Miranda. He said the idea to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van came from noticing that it was something that would benefit the community.
“The idea came by just identifying the need. From what I heard there was none around. People had to rely on basically one of two types (of transportation) — either an ambulance, or the HandiTrans in order to get around,” said Rambeau, “which is either a huge cost or a big wait, so the opportunity came up to purchase a wheelchair accessible van and we got it and fixed it up a little bit.”
For people in wheelchairs, a non-emergency transport with EHS by ambulance can be very expensive; Gateway Taxi’s van is the same price as a regular taxi fare.
The other alternative is the CBRM Handi-Trans service, which is a specialized transit service for clients unable to use the conventional transit system and who are eligible and registered.
The Handi-Trans service charges about the same amount as a bus in the CBRM would, however, registering with Handi-Trans and booking a date for travel takes time and scheduling. Although Gateway Taxi does book dates in advance with clients, waiting isn’t an issue with their wheelchair-accessible van.
“It can be booked in advance or just like a regular taxi service, if you want to go to the mall, or wherever you want to go, we can pick you up and take you there — there’s no wait,” said Rambeau.
Rambeau said taxi drivers who drive the van are taught how to operate it properly to ensure the safety of the passenger.
“We will be training the drivers how to use the van in a training program that we’ve already started,” said Rambeau.
Although the service just started at the end of July, the company already has organizations that have shown interest in using the service.
“It’s been great, we’ve had a few people use it now, including societies — the autism society are really happy about it, the organization Haley Street, they’re really happy about it,” said Rambeau.
Because the business is just starting out, there is only one van available. Marcie Shwery-Stanley, who is a long-time advocate for people with disabilities and is in a wheelchair herself, said she is happy with the inclusiveness of Gateway Taxi’s new wheelchair accessible van but is worried cost and wait times may affect people’s decision to order the wheelchair accessible van.
“I think it’s something that they can try out as a pilot project, I think the cost might be a deterrent, but I certainly commend the people who are doing this,” said Shwery-Stanley. “The point is though, if you want to have instant service, there might be a niche in regards to (choosing the taxi) instead of an ambulance.”
Rambeau said that if the van is popular with his costumers, the
company would invest in another wheelchair accessible van in the future to keep up with the demand.
“If we get busy and this van is booked all the time, my main focus is that I don’t want people waiting, so if the market is there, we’ll definitely get another one,” said Rambeau.
His wife said she was just happy that the company is helping those in need.
“It’s amazing to be able to help people out. It just feels really good to be able to help people,” said Miranda Rambeau.
Josh Rambeau added that it was a good feeling to be providing a unique service not offered anywhere else in Cape Breton.
“It feels great. To be the first at anything is a big accomplishment.”