Islanders with a physical disability will have more accessible transportation options available to them.
Government is providing $95,000 to the PEI Council of People with Disabilities to offer a rebate program to transportation operators to help offset the costs of wheelchair accessible vehicles. Rebates will cover 20 per cent of costs to a maximum of $10,000 for both vehicle and equipment purchases.
“We are excited about this program because it has the potential to change our transportation system and finally address the barriers Islanders living with disabilities face, as they try to move through their community,” says Marcia Carroll, executive director of PEI Council of People with Disabilities. “Being able to access appropriate transportation is a basic service that is required if people are going be to be able to experience full citizenship. We are pleased that this program is built on a community development model with various community partners including people living with disabilities.”
Drivers of accessible vehicles must complete a training course to obtain the safety and awareness skills required to meet the needs of passengers with disabilities. PEI Council of People with Disabilities, in collaboration with Pat and the Elephant, will provide this free training.
“Islanders with a physical disability should not be at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing transportation options. People with physical disabilities require access to transportation for the same reasons anyone else does—to stay well, active, and a part of their communities. The great thing about this program is that it not only supports Islanders with physical disabilities, it also helps transportation operators with purchases that can be costly.”
- Social Development and Housing Minister Brad Trivers
To be eligible for the Accessible Transportation Rebate Program taxi and ride-sharing companies must be incorporated to do business in Prince Edward Island. Recipients must agree to maintain and operate the vehicle for a 5-year period and preference will be given to new vehicle purchases. Operators who have used vehicles more than five-years old with less than 60,000 kilometers are also eligible to apply.
Eligible applicants can apply through the PEI Council of People with Disabilities by calling 902-892-9149.
Media contacts:
Rebecca Gass
Senior Communications Officer
Social Development and Housing
902-620-3409
rjgass@gov.pe.ca
Marcia Carroll
Executive Director
PEI Council of People with Disabilities
902-892-9149 ext 222
Cell 902 393 1525
peicod@peicod.pe.ca