Are wheelchair taxi services turning away people in wheelchairs now?

DodgerGirl

Crazy For The Mandalorian
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Has anybody on here had trouble with wheelchair taxi services? Because I have noticed that they are now turning people that are wheelchair bound away for no reason and I would like to know what the reason is? From what I learned you need to have permission from a doctor before signing up with a wheelchair taxi service. Is there some new rule added this year for people who use a wheelchair taxi service? I'm curious to know more info about this?
 
Never needed doctor’s permission to order wheelchair car service on this end.
I just order it via the Uber app which locally offers WAVs (stands for wheelchair accessible vehicle). Prices are comparable to a regular Uber.
 
Is this truly a public taxi service? Or possibly a private Special Transport organization? The private SSTA programs in my area get some funding through Medicaid (?) and passengers must be registered with the organization. Rides must be scheduled in advance and I believe they prioritize medical appointments vs shopping trips or even getting to work. A public taxi like Mears in Orlando should not be turning away passengers unless they don’t have a vehicle available at the time requested.
 
A public taxi like Mears in Orlando should not be turning away passengers unless they don’t have a vehicle available at the time requested.
When I visited WDW in December, I noted that Uber did not offer WAVs but had no problem picking me up in a SUV that could accommodate my folding wheelchair. The step up into the car was a real doozy and not appropriate for all users though.
 
When I visited WDW in December, I noted that Uber did not offer WAVs but had no problem picking me up in a SUV that could accommodate my folding wheelchair. The step up into the car was a real doozy and not appropriate for all users though.
Correct Uber does not offer the specific “Uber WAV” service in the Orlando market but many vehicles can accommodate a mobility device. Those who truly need a tie-down service have to use other options.
 
Can the OP supply a link? Misinformation should be addressed.




Uber at LAX offers Wav. I tried it. Unable to locate a driver. Repeated the request twice. Nothing.

I booked a Lyft XL (foldable ECV). My driver said he's never seen an Uber Wav at the airport.
 
Has anybody on here had trouble with wheelchair taxi services? Because I have noticed that they are now turning people that are wheelchair bound away for no reason and I would like to know what the reason is? From what I learned you need to have permission from a doctor before signing up with a wheelchair taxi service. Is there some new rule added this year for people who use a wheelchair taxi service? I'm curious to know more info about this?
Where are you getting this information??? Who (taxi company) and where is this happening?
 
I believe the OP’s father is somewhat newly disabled. I suspect they may have contacted a paratransit service but didn’t yet have him registered. Thus the ride was denied.
 
I believe the OP’s father is somewhat newly disabled. I suspect they may have contacted a paratransit service but didn’t yet have him registered. Thus the ride was denied.
Thank you for that clarification! It would be helpful if the OP followed up on the original post, with a few additional details as to not confuse others.
 
I believe the OP’s father is somewhat newly disabled. I suspect they may have contacted a paratransit service but didn’t yet have him registered. Thus the ride was denied.
This is what makes the most sense to me.
 
The reason that led me to start writing this thread was because my dad has been having troubles with his current wheelchair taxi service because at the beginning of March the taxi service told him that my dad cannot no longer use the wheelchair taxi service and since then Dad has cancelled his doctor appointments because he can't figure out what to do. Dad tried calling his doctor and the doctor was of no help to Dad. I cannot figure out what else Dad can do and no other wheelchair taxi services can be found anywhere
 
I’m sorry your dad is having such a difficult time finding transportation. Did the taxi company say why they can’t no longer service him? If you live outside their service area they should be able to tell you the right provider for your area. Or does he need to be registered with Medicaid? Your dad needs to call and ask some questions.

If nothing else gets answers, he could contact your local town council rep and ask for assistance connecting with the services he needs.
 
I have never seen an answer to this question going back to the old threads. But why does he need a wheelchair taxi? He transfers to a recliner in the home, so why is he unable to transfer to a regular car seat? He can get in the car and then someone fold up the wheelchair and store it in the trunk or back of the car. This would open up regular taxis or Uber/Lyft as options or for her mother to drive him in their vehicle.
 
In the U.S., if they are a normal taxi service that provides service to anyone else, such as Yellow Cab (one of the more common in the Los Angeles Area and they do have accessible Taxis), denying him would violate the ADA.
 
I have never seen an answer to this question going back to the old threads. But why does he need a wheelchair taxi? He transfers to a recliner in the home, so why is he unable to transfer to a regular car seat? He can get in the car and then someone fold up the wheelchair and store it in the trunk or back of the car. This would open up regular taxis or Uber/Lyft as options or for her mother to drive him in their vehicle.
I don't know for OP, but some have a hard time turning to get into a vehicle vs a recliner or it could be his device itself doesn't fold up or isn't light enough for a driver to lift. There could of course be other reasons.

What is more concerning to me is the appearance that the taxi company is breaking the law, regardless of if he could use a different method or not.
 
Oh, also if you are in the Los Angeles area, Lyft has accessible vehicles, usually with less than a 15 minute wait here, check his area, but that may be a viable alternative.
 
I don't know for OP, but some have a hard time turning to get into a vehicle vs a recliner or it could be his device itself doesn't fold up or isn't light enough for a driver to lift. There could of course be other reasons.

What is more concerning to me is the appearance that the taxi company is breaking the law, regardless of if he could use a different method or not.

My concern is that they are cancelling doctor's appointments. I would find any way to get there including a regular taxi or Uber/Lyft to ensure I am getting the care needed.

Oh and I believe she is northern CA from things she has said before.
 












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