Federal Grants Make Taxis More Accessible

"Washington is one of a growing number of local governments across the USA tapping into Federal Transit Administration funds to jump-start accessible taxi services in their area, says Alfred LaGasse, chief executive officer of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association in Rockville, Md.

The federal funds, known as New Freedom grants, give taxi companies the incentive to run an accessible cab service, for which start-up costs are high and profit potential is unproven, LaGasse says. The grants have spurred companies to invest in the service in cities including Pensacola, Fla.; Mobile, Ala.; Houston; Coos Bay, Ore. and New Haven, Conn., he says."