Joined by activists from Taxis For All Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Parking Authority placed the first of 150 new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) taxicabs into service today.
Fifty new WAV medallions have been sold so far and eleven more will be up for sale in the coming weeks. With an overall legislative target of 150 new WAV vehicles by 2021, the PPA expects to have 61 new WAV taxicabs in service in Philadelphia by the end of the year.
“Thousands of disabled people in wheelchairs have been waiting far too long for this day to come. We are proud and pleased to put the first of 150 new WAV taxis on the streets of Philadelphia today,” PPA Executive Director Vince Fenerty said.
“The disability community and activists from Taxis For All Philadelphia should be commended for all of their hard work and dedication in helping us push for the necessary regulatory changes to create 150 new WAV taxis,” Fenerty said.
Taxis For All Philadelphia — an activist group that has been advocating to make Philadelphia the first city in America with a fully accessible taxicab system — was on hand to show support and continue its advocacy for full and equal access for disabled persons.
Speaking on behalf of Taxis For All Philadelphia, Matt Clark said, “This is the first step to open the city to all of us. Next, we must pass Proposed Rulemaking Order 126-11. Over the long term, this would ensure that every cab in Philadelphia could be used by all.”