Accessible Taxi Incentive Program provides up to $25,000 for eligible licence plate holders
The City of Calgary has introduced a new wheelchair ramp installation incentive of up to $25,000 for eligible accessible taxi plate licence holders. The incentive is an exciting addition to The City’s existing Accessible Taxi Incentive Program (ATIP), which was established in 2019 to help accessible taxi plate holders and drivers with the costs of purchasing, adapting and operating wheelchair-accessible vehicles. On-demand taxi service is an important transportation option for people who require special assistance to accommodate a wheelchair or other mobility device.
“This is a great win for the customers who rely on wheelchair-accessible taxis to get to appointments and connect with their communities. Last year, more than 30,000 trips were taken by Calgarians requesting on-demand wheelchair-accessible taxis. Since these customers are paying the same metered rate as non-accessible users, we want to ensure they are getting the same level of service,” explains Deputy Chief Cory Porter of Public Vehicle Standards.
Table 1: Summary of incentive payments
| Type of payment | Annual incentives | Per-trip driver incentive | Wheelchair ramp installation incentive | |
| Recipient | Holder of a valid and subsisting ATPL | Holder of a valid and subsisting TDL with an endorsement to operate an accessible vehicle and affiliated with an ATPL | Holder of a valid and subsisting TDL with an endorsement to operate an accessible vehicle and affiliated with an ATPL (on the WAV Calgary platform) | Holder of a valid and subsisting ATPL |
| Amount (frequency) | Up to $3,500 (annually) | Up to $4,500 (annually) | $15 for each wheelchair accessible trip completed between 4am and 4pm
$25 for each wheelchair accessible trip completed between 4pm and 4am |
Up to $25,000 for the installation of a wheelchair ramp and running boards
(once per vehicle) |
| Payment schedule | Following June ATPL renewal | Following driver licence renewal (on birthdate) | Monthly | Following criteria being met |
“This initiative will also support the accessible taxi operators to get more wheelchair-accessible vehicles on the road. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are more expensive for service providers to purchase, adapt and operate than other types of taxis. This program addresses that disparity, reduces costs and helps to ensure that a 24/7 on-demand wheelchair-accessible taxis service is available when needed. We hope to continue to build on success of the subsidies and explore further incentives for the taxi drivers to invest in accessible vehicles,” adds Deputy Chief Porter.
In addition to the wheelchair ramp installation incentive, ATIP also provides holders of an accessible taxi plate licence with annual incentives of up to $3,500 plus per-trip driver incentives. Drivers of wheelchair-accessible taxis are also eligible to receive yearly incentives of up to $4,500 plus per-trip driver incentives. This program is funded by collecting a fee of $0.10 per-trip, which is added to the total fare of all taxis and transportation network company trips taken in Calgary.
The City has issued a total of 189 accessible taxi plate licences. Accessible taxi drivers receive specialized training, which gives them the skills and knowledge to provide safe and respectful service to customers.
Visit Calgary.ca/ATIP for more information.
