Wheelchair users stuck at home as no taxis
DISABLED islanders are struggling to go out due to a shortage of wheelchair accessible taxis in the island, one of the few drivers of such a vehicle has said.
There are about 1,200 wheelchair users in the island and only three taxis are available for them to use. All of them face significant demand each day.
This shortage can mean that many are forced to miss medical appointments, in part because drivers also need to allow time to pick them up afterwards.
Guernsey Disability Alliance transport lead Rob Harnish, who is also manager of the Ron Short Centre, said taxis were a lifeline.
‘The third sector provides some on-demand transport, but it is creaking and drivers are getting fewer, while demand keeps increasing,’ said Mr Harnish, who was speaking the day after the States appealed for more people to come forward to operate accessible taxis.
Pete’s Taxis owner Pete Leigh has provided a service exclusively for wheelchair passengers since he got his plate in 2019.
‘If I didn’t do it, a lot of wheelchair users wouldn’t go out,’ he said.
He said his job was much more than just a taxi service.
‘It is a totally different job – you drive up to the house to get the wheelchair and take it up the ramp. Then there is the straps to attach the chair to. You also need to reassure them, because if they have never done it before then it is quite scary. When you get to the destination you then help them get to exactly where they need to go.’
He said that one passenger had four trips in his taxi before she felt fully comfortable and safe, and reassuring customers they are secure was a big part of the job.
Mr Leigh said he could understand the States wanting more wheelchair-accessible taxis.
‘I have 12 to 14 jobs a day, there is a big demand. It is so hard to get wheelchair accessible taxis,’ said Mr Leigh.
Training is provided by the States for anyone seeking an accessible licence, but Mr Leigh said when he was trained in 2019, the training he was offered was not relevant.
‘I learnt how to put a wheelchair in a bus – I don’t have a bus, it was pointless. There was nothing about ramps. I got my van and I got on with it, they don’t have anyone over here to teach.’
He said however that the States decision to remove the additional practical driving test has made it easier for prospective drivers to get a licence.
‘The States have seen sense and dropped all of that. But that is why we are stuck with no drivers – the test process was so long-winded and expensive.’
The cost of an accessible vehicle itself can cost in the region of £26,000, but Mr Leigh said that was not what deterred other taxi drivers from offering a wheelchair-friendly service.
‘There are drivers out there in Mercedes, so it’s not about the cost of the vehicle. I think taxi drivers don’t want to go this way because its not as comfortable a car.’
While basic taxi plates come at a cost, accessible ones are free.
Anyone interested in applying for an accessible licence should contact jonathon.guilbert@gov.gg .
