Yellow Cab Company of DC v2

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Wheelchair Accessible Cabs

The D.C. accessible taxicabs are ADA-compliant and designed for standard-sized power wheelchairs and standard-sized scooters, measuring 30 inches wide by 48 inches long and weighing no more than 600 pounds when occupied. The taxis will not accommodate an over-sized wheelchair, such as one with extra adaptive equipment attached. While they provide priority service to persons who use wheelchairs, they are available for other passengers when not providing trips for passengers in wheelchairs.

Who can use the service?

Individuals who use wheelchairs or scooters and cannot use traditional taxi sedans. Some individuals who use manual wheelchairs can use a traditional taxi sedan by transferring to the sedan seat. These individuals may prefer to continue using traditional taxi sedans as they may receive service more quickly because there are many more taxi sedans than wheelchair accessible taxi vehicles.

How can I get a trip on a wheelchair accessible taxi vehicle?
Call one of the two taxi companies participating in the pilot:

Royal Taxi 202-398-0500 or http://www.dctaxionline.com/(To Be Launched February 2011)

Yellow Paratransit 202-544-1213 or http://www.dcyellowcab.com/

If you call one company and their wheelchair taxis are busy, that company will transfer your trip request to the other company.

How to place a request

· Tell the call-taker that you need a wheelchair accessible taxi.

· Give the call-taker your pick-up and drop-off information, as needed for all taxi trips.

· Choose a pick-up location where you can access the street. This could be your closest street intersection with curb-cuts or sidewalk ramps, or a location with a driveway. Since the vehicles wheelchair ramp is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, you must board the taxi from the street level.

· Give the call-taker any additional information or special instructions that will help the driver find your pick-up location and provide your taxi trip.

Do I have to reserve this service in advance?
You can request immediate service but It is recommended that you reserve a trip at least an hour or two in advance because there are a limited number of wheelchair accessible taxis. You may also reserve your trip a day or two in advance or even a week in advance.

What are the service hours?

24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

What type of service is it?
D.C. accessible taxi service operates like traditional taxi service, providing curb-to-curb service. The taxi driver will help you get on and off the vehicle if needed. If you need help beyond this, you may want to bring someone else along to assist you.

What areas or cities are served?
The accessible taxis serve all parts of D.C. both trip origins and destinations. And they can take you to any destination outside of D.C.

Can I use this service to get to and from the local airports?

For trips TO Reagan National, Dulles and BWI from D.C.: Contact one of the two companies Royal Taxi 202-398-0500 or Yellow Taxi 202-544-1213

For trips FROM the airports to D.C.:

From Reagan National There are two options:
(1) Pre-arrange your pick-up with Royal or Yellow.
(2) The taxi dispatcher at the airport can help you arrange for a wheelchair accessible taxi for your trip.
From Dulles and BWI - Both Dulles and BWI have their own wheelchair accessible taxis to serve trips from the airports. It is recommended that you call ahead to let the dispatcher know when you will need an accessible taxi.
·         BWI Airport Taxi: (410) 859-1100
      http://www.bwiairporttaxi.com/
·         Washington Flyer (Dulles) Taxi: 703-572-TAXI
      www.washfly.com/Taxi_rate.htm

What information should I provide when requesting the service?

When you call to request a trip on an accessible taxi, tell the call-taker:

· that you will need an accessible taxi,

· your pick-up and drop-off information, and

· any additional information or special instructions that will help the driver find your

pick-up location.

Please be aware that the accessible taxis are designed for standard-sized power wheelchairs and standard-size scooters. Oversize wheelchairs and scooters cannot be transported! And remember to choose a pick-up location where you can access the street, with either a curb-cut or driveway, and where the driver can lower the ramp. Since the vehicles ramp is positioned at the rear of the vehicle, you must board the taxi from the street level.

What are the rates or special charges for this service?
The rates for accessible taxi service are the same as for traditional taxi service; there is no extra charge for the accessible taxi. Rates are regulated by the DCTC. Information can be found at www.dctaxi.dc.gov

How do I pay for my fare?
You can pay with cash or by credit card. Yellow also offers a re-loadable, prepaid CabCard that can be used to pay for trips; please refer to http://www.dcyellowcab.com/for more information.

Can other passengers travel with me on the accessible taxi?
Yes, the accessible taxi vehicles can fit 3 to 4 additional passengers beyond the person using a wheelchair. According to the regulated D.C. taxi fares, extra charges apply when traveling with additional passengers six years of age and older.

How can I assist the driver in preparing for the trip?
Come out to the taxi vehicle as soon as it arrives at your pick-up location. If you need help getting on (and off) the vehicle, ask the driver for assistance, and be specific about the type of help you need. The driver will then know how best to help you.

What if I find I do not need the accessible taxi that I reserved?
Call the taxi company and cancel your trip. Don't be a no-show! No-shows waste the limited resources of the accessible taxi service and may prevent another person who needs accessible service from receiving a trip.

Additional Tips for Accessible Taxi Use

· Keep in mind the time of day and events that impact traffic. During rush hour, bad weather, periods of high demand or other incidents and events affecting traffic, all vehicles including taxis are delayed, so please plan for additional time.

· Be prepared to come out to the taxicab immediately upon its arrival.

· The accessible taxi service is designed to provide curb-to-curb transportation, just like traditional sedan taxi service. This is not MetroAccess service (the ADA paratransit service for the Washington, D.C. region), where the driver comes to the door.

· Help the taxi driver by asking him or her for assistance when you get on and off the vehicle or for other assistance, if you need it. It is best to be specific about the type of assistance you need, if you need any assistance.

· If your driver provides good service, he or she will appreciate a tip.