District Court Judge Tells NY TLC: Accessible Cabs Only

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After a fifteen year battle, on December 24, 2011 U.S. District Judge George Daniels determined the New York Taxi Licensing Commission was not complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ruling determined that the NYC Taxi Licensing Commission can only issue new taxi medallions to taxis that are wheelchair accessible. The restriction will remain in place until a suitable plan for access is implemented.

The suit was brought by the United Spinal Association, which advocates for access and many other issue in NY state and beyond, who pointed out the fact that less than 2% of all taxis in NYC are wheelchair accessible and the planned standard taxis for NYC (Nissan NV-200) were not accessible.

“Meaningful access for the disabled to public transportation services is not a utopian goal or political promise, it is a basic civil right,”

While some critics of the ruling feel it's in violation of the ADA where taxis themselves are concerned, they are not taking into account the plan of NY Mayor Bloomberg (an active opponent of accessible taxis) to create a call in service for the taxis, a total departure from the "hail only" policy for Yellow cabs which, in my opinion, adds a burden to me in terms of activities to get a cab. An ambulatory person can just put their arm up and a taxi stops. If I want an accessible taxi in NYC, the suggestion is that I call 311 to have one sent to me. And wait. However, this exact situation is WHY the ruling makes sense.

If the service is being provided by a government entity, it MUST be accessible. Since the service is providing taxis, and the taxis are the service, then one leading to another leads me to accessible taxis.

You can stay up to date on this issue here at United Spinal Organization.