More Than 200 Accessible NYC Cabs Are Added to Fleet

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Accessible transportation options in New York City have long been problematic. While buses are universally equipped with wheelchair lifts, subway access has long been limited due to the system's age and the lack of elevators in many stations. New York City taxicabs have also been problematic, with just a small percentage of the fleet accessible to those with disabilities.

New Year, New Taxis
The good news is that, at least when it comes to above ground transportation, this is changing. While at the beginning of 2008 there were fewer than 30 wheelchair-accessible taxi cabs on the road in New York City, this is changing as the result of a lawsuit by the United Spinal Association and several other disability advocacy groups.

In 2009, New York City will add more than 200 wheelchair-accessible taxis to its fleet and has an eventual goal of making sure that every taxi in the city is wheelchair accessible.

Spreading the Love
While New York is just one city, there's a good chance that this move toward wheelchair-accessible cabs could have a nationwide impact. Since New York City is the nation's capital of cabs, with 25 percent of the taxis in service going into New York, the design of taxi cabs often caters to the New York market, meaning that wheelchair-accessible taxis may be more available in other areas soon.