New accessible taxi pilot project coming to capital region
A funding agreement has been signed to launch a new accessible taxi pilot project in the capital region, supported by a joint investment from the Government of Prince Edward Island, City of Charlottetown, Town of Stratford and Town of Cornwall.
A seven-passenger, wheelchair accessible van that can accommodate two wheelchairs will be operated by Pat and the Elephant and will offer service seven days per week, with extended hours on weekends.
The total investment for the pilot project is $216,670, including both capital funds and operational costs. The capital funding is $119,000, with $60,000 from the Accessible Transportation Rebate Program managed by ResourceAbilities and funded by the province and the City of Charlottetown, and $59,000 from the Department of Social Development and Seniors. Year one operational costs are an additional $97,670 contributed by the province and the three municipalities.
The Spinal Cord Injury Association of PEI is also involved in developing and delivering this initiative, having recently carried out a survey on accessible transportation needs.
A committee is currently being formed to finalize details, including rates and booking information. The pilot project will launch in June to coincide with National Accessibility Week.
Quotes:
“This investment reflects our commitment to improving accessibility and mobility for Islanders. By working collaboratively with municipal and community partners, this pilot project will help address transportation barriers and support greater inclusion in the capital region.”
- Minister of Social Development and Seniors Barb Ramsay
“This pilot project is an important step in building a more inclusive and accessible capital region. By working together with our municipal and provincial partners we are helping to ensure that residents and visitors have the opportunity to participate fully in work, community, and recreational life.”
- Mayor of Charlottetown Philip Brown
“The Town of Cornwall is excited about the collaborative efforts that have brought this pilot project into reality, making it easier for Islanders to get around by removing travel barriers to make the Capital area more inclusive.”
- Mayor of Cornwall Minerva McCourt
“We are pleased to be a partner in this project. As we have heard from residents about the need for a service that extends into the evening and weekends, we eagerly await the upcoming launch of the pilot. This service will provide for more inclusive communities where our residents with accessibly and mobility transportation challenges can participate in events and activities that fall outside of the existing hours of service.”
- Mayor of Stratford Steve Ogden
“Pat and The Elephant is proud to support initiatives that strengthen connection, inclusion, and independence within our communities. Accessible and reliable transportation plays a vital role in ensuring individuals can fully participate in everyday life. We are grateful to be part of a collaborative effort that helps remove barriers and improve quality of life across Prince Edward Island.”
- President of Pat and the Elephant Steve Brosseau
“This initiative helps ensure Islanders with disabilities have a reliable option to go where they need to go, where they want to go, when they want to go. Too often accessible transportation is viewed only in terms of essential trips, but it's really about ensuring people can fully participate in all aspects of life. ResourceAbilities is proud to support a collaboration that responds directly to the needs of the community and helps remove real, everyday barriers.”
- Executive Director of ResourceAbilities Devon Broome
"We have been involved with this topic at board level, community level, and membership level for years. The Spinal Cord Injury Association is excited about additional accessible vehicles in the City of Charlottetown. We are grateful for the support and resources from all involved to push this to the finish line.”
- Executive Director of Spinal Cord Injury PEI Glen Flood
Media contact:
Hillary Proctor
Department of Social Development and Seniors
hproctor@gov.pe.ca
Jessica Bradley
Senior Communications Officer
City of Charlottetown
jbradley@charlottetown.ca