News Release (11 February 2004):
An easier minicab ride for disabled people
DPTAC's has launched a new guide "Making private hire services more accessible to disabled people", launched today, marked a further advice aimed inat improving the accessibility of private hire services (Minicabs) to disabled people.
The guide provides drivers and operators with practical advice and information on ways to improve their service to disabled passengers.
Earlier Rresearch carried out by MORI for DPTAC in 2002, into the attitudes of disabled people to public transport, revealed that:
- disabled people use taxi/private hire vehicles 67% more than non-disabled people;
- 80% of disabled users are satisfied with taxi/private hire services;
- more disabled people use taxi/private hire services than any other form of public transport.
Speaking at the launch, Neil Gerrard MP said:
"I welcome this very positive initiative. The guide will give drivers and their operators with practical advice. giving providing them the confidence to offer quality their services to more disabled passengers."
Launching the Guide, Neil Betteridge, DPTAC Chair, said:
"The Private Hire industry provides disabled people with an much-valuedinvaluable service. However, This guide is one way that we are working with the industry to we can improve accessibility. This will , enableing more disabled people to use PHVs, and increase the trades' business and profitability."
Notes to editors:
1. Making private hire services more accessible to disabled people is available at: http://www.dptac.gov.uk/pubs/phv/index.htm.
2. The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) was set up under the Transport Act of 1985 to advise Government on the transport needs of all disabled people. In 2000 its role was extended, on a non-statutory basis, to advising the Government on the built environment needs of disabled people, It has a maximum of 20 members (of whom at least half must be disabled people), representing a wide range of transport interests. Members are appointed by Ministers and are unpaid, apart from the reimbursement of expenses.
3. For further information on DPTAC, contact the Secretary, Andy Kirby on 020 7944 8012 or email dptac@dft.gsi.gov.uk.
4. Neil Gerrard MP introduced the Private Hire Vehicle (Carriage of Guide Dogs) Act in 2002. This placed duties upon the operators and drivers of private hire vehicles (PHVs) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to carry assistance dogs.
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