Accessible Taxi Services
Halifax Regional Municipality is pleased to support a new accessible taxi service, Extra Care Taxi.
To celebrate this new service, the municipality is hosting an event on October 11, 2022, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Halifax Hall, 1841 Argyle St, Halifax, NS. Members of the public are invited to come to learn more about this service and to view an accessible taxi.
In March 2022, Regional Council unanimously approved a staff recommendation to grant a three-year contract to Extra Care Taxi to provide an accessible taxi service for passengers who are unable to use conventional taxis.
The municipality’s support of an accessible taxi service is based on:
- Feedback from residents and visitors over the lack of accessible vehicles for hire made spontaneous travel a challenge for those requiring accessible taxis.
- Feedback from service providers regarding the high costs of providing accessible taxi services.
- The municipality’s Accessibility Strategy mandates the creation of an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities in the Halifax region and recognises the need to create a municipality accessible to all, regardless of ability.
Passengers will pay the standard taxi rate for their trips, while the municipality will provide ongoing funding to Extra Care Taxi to help support the higher cost of offering an accessible taxi service.
Extra Care Taxi is currently operating nine accessible vehicles, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the municipality. An additional vehicle will be added to the fleet in the coming weeks, bringing the total number of accessible taxis to 10.
Bookings can be made by phone 902.334.0334, online, or through the Extra Care Taxi App which can be found in the Google Play store or the Apple Store.
Note: Extra Care Taxi is an extension of SeniorsTransit which can be found at www.SeniorsTransit.com
FAQ'S
- What is Extra Care Taxi?
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Extra Care Taxi, a newly created division of SeniorsTransit Inc., is a new service that provides accessible taxi service in HRM, in partnership with the Halifax Regional Municipality.
In March 2022, Regional Council unanimously approved a staff recommendation to grant a three-year contract to SeniorsTransit Inc. to provide an accessible taxi service for passengers who are unable to use conventional taxis.
The new service, operating as Extra Care Taxi, is currently operating nine accessible taxis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the municipality. An additional vehicle will be added in the coming weeks to bring the fleet to a total of 10 accessible taxis.
To learn more about SeniorsTransit Inc. and Extra Care Taxi, visit www.SeniorsTransit.com
- Why was there a need for more accessible taxis?
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The availability of accessible taxis has been an ongoing issue in recent years, particularly for residents with mobility devices/aids who are unable to use non-accessible vehicles. Past efforts to grow accessible taxi services in Halifax have been unsuccessful, largely due to the high cost of providing these services.
- What areas do Extra Care Taxi service?
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Extra Care Taxi is currently operating nine fully accessible vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the Halifax region, inclusive of rural areas within the municipality. An additional vehicle will be added in the coming weeks, bringing the total fleet size to 10 accessible taxis.
- How do I book an accessible taxi?
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Bookings can be made by phone at 902-334-0334, online through the Extra Care Taxi Web Booker Page, or through the Extra Care Taxi App
- How much will an accessible taxi cost?
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Passengers will pay the standard taxi rate for their trips and may pay by cash, on account, or via electronic payment via a debit or credit card. The municipality will provide ongoing funding to Extra Care Taxi to help support the high costs of offering an accessible taxi service within the municipality.