Yellow Cab of Columbus Unveils Columbus’ First Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Cabs
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
July 24, 2013
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More Information:
John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
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Yellow Cab of Columbus Unveils Columbus’ First Wheelchair
Accessible Taxi Cabs
Those Who Use Wheelchairs, Physically Challenged and Senior
Citizens Will Benefit from Service
(Columbus, OH)— On Wednesday, July 24, Yellow Cab of
Columbus President Jeff Kates unveiled the city’s first wheelchair accessible
taxi cabs during a news conference at Columbus City Hall’s Parking Plaza.
Yellow Cab of Columbus’ recent investment in the new
vehicles and expected future investment for additional vehicles was initiated
earlier this year when Columbus City Council lifted the moratorium on taxi
licenses to add wheelchair accessible cabs to Columbus. Yellow Cab received 10
of the 30 taxi licenses.
Jennifer Flynn, Mike
Brown, and Councilmember Mills converse before checking out the new
cabs. |
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“We knew this was a prime opportunity to better serve our
current customers,” said Kates. “We knew what it would mean to the quality of
life for so many people in our community throughout the city and Franklin
County.” Councilmember Michelle Mills discussed the process that was
required, at both the local and state levels, to apply for and receive a
license to operate handicapped accessible taxi cabs and how these recent
changes will have a positive impact on the lives of Columbus residents.
“This is an important and exciting day for the City of
Columbus, as well as our residents and visitors,” said Councilmember Mills,
chair of the Public Safety and Judiciary Committee. “These wheelchair accessible cabs are a less
expensive way for those with limited mobility to travel, and highlight how
Columbus is working to be the most inclusive community possible.”
Jennifer Flynn, a member of the Columbus Committee on
Disability Issues, also spoke about what this change means to her personally,
and what it will mean for the community.
“This has been a long-awaited mode of transportation
reform,” said Flynn. “We can be out in the community with our families and have
last-minute transportation available to us, as well as to visitors who come to
our city.”
The new taxi cabs will benefit not only the residents of
Columbus, but also the thousands of visitors who come to the capital city each
year. Reliable “on-demand”
transportation that meets the needs of residents throughout our community and
beyond is important for offering ease of access to mobility for all
individuals.
“Building our hospitality system for visitors means taking
steps to be accessible for all,” said Mike Brown, Director of Public Affairs
and Development for Experience Columbus. “We are proud to work with Yellow Cab
and local transportation companies to make sure it is safe and easy to travel
between Columbus’ many attractions, districts and neighborhoods.”
Residents who wish to request a wheelchair-accessible cab
can do so by calling Yellow Cab of Columbus at 614-444-4444 or by visiting
www.yellowcabofcolumbus.com. The cabs will be available 24/7.
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