David Byrnes relies on a wheelchair-accessible taxi to attend physiotherapy appointments. But earlier this year, the only accessible taxi in his home town of Goulburn was taken off the road.
“It was really difficult to go places, and I had to stay in the house,” he says. “I want to be an active member of the community.”. Cab companies in Kiama and Harden have closed their doors, and the NSW Taxi Council warns that without government intervention more could follow. “We want to be there, during that late night, all hours of the night, whether it’s because we want to get that wheelchair passenger to a medical emergency situation or because that person just wants to enjoy a better quality of life.”Abrahim blames the growth of rideshare companies, which he says have left wheelchair taxi operators unable to maintain a financially viable operation.
“Uber’s community guidelines require that driver-partners comply with all relevant laws governing the transportation of riders with disabilities, including transporting service animals and assistive devices,” a spokesperson says.