A new federal grant program is enabling private car and taxi companies in cities across the country to buy new handicapped-accessible cars for their fleets.
"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."
FULL STORY: More accessible cabs hit cities
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