A new accessible taxi service is coming to Grande Prairie to provide ease of access for persons with disabilities in Grande Prairie and the immediate area. City councillor and member of the Accessibility Committee Kevin O’Toole took the first official ride in the Wapiti Taxi van Friday.
He says it’s been a huge challenge to get this kind of service in Grande Prairie for some time, and it’s something that is much needed. Cecil Pizzey, who is also on the Accessibility Committee, combined forces with taxi cab owner David Williams to make it happen.
“This cab is set up so that up to two people in a wheelchair can comfortably ride in it,” O’Toole says. “My heart goes out to the company, the owner of this cab,” he adds.
Williams, the owner and operator of the first van cab by way of Wapiti Taxi, says that he is looking forward to kicking things off, officially.
“We are going to play it by year and see how much it is in demand here in the city,” Williams says. “We are looking forward to providing this service to the community. We feel it’s something we can give back to the community that gives us so much.”
Williams says the service will be available to everyone, and there is no need to book in advance and wait for a window, as they’re looking to make it as convenient as possible for users.
“It’s something for folks who have fallen on hard times and have trouble getting around because of a disability,” he says. “A lot of regulations that we had to deal with and plenty of extra costs too.”
