Accessible cabs a must: group

Glenn Outhwaite has been waiting for a taxi to come by his home for almost three years.

That's how long it has been since he and others on the city's accessibility committee began pushing for accessible taxis in Kingston.

They may not have to wait much longer.

Public consultation on a policy to have accessible cabs in Kingston will take place next month, and a final report will be presented to city councillors, likely by October.

After that, it's up to the city, the taxi commission and the cab companies to see how the service can work.

Outhwaite said people have been waiting long enough and there are now mixed feelings about whether the accessible cabs will ever come to city streets.

Accessible taxis would give residents an alternative to the Kingston Access Bus. Not everyone qualifies for the service and the Access Bus cannot always meet demand.

If a disabled passenger can't use Kingston Transit's accessible buses, an Access Bus ride might not be available at a moment's notice; usually it requires booking the service weeks in advance.

"There are times when that doesn't happen, but I try my darndest to make sure I'm two weeks in advance," Outhwaite said.

Outhwaite said his hope is that an accessible taxi service will be available at all hours.

"I would want to see it 24 hours a day as would others in the community," he said.

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