Metro Taxi is Proud to Offer
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi Service

Metro Taxi was the driving force behind newly passed legislation, effective October 1, 2009 that permitted wheelchair-accessible taxicabs in Connecticut.

(PDF) 10/14 Press Release - DeStefano Campaign to Offer Election Day Rides with MetroTaxi's new MetroAccess Vehicle

(PDF) 10/14 Press Release - Connecticut Gets First Wheelchair-Accessible Taxicab

MetroAccess, Connecticut’s first wheelchair-accessible taxicab means new freedom for people with mobility disabilities. The taxi complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and is a rear-entry ramped vehicle that includes tie-downs to secure the passenger and his/her wheelchair or scooter. The taxi has a lower floor than standard vans to help ensure that customers can enter the vehicle with sufficient headroom easily and comfortably.

The MetroAccess cab is the state’s first ADA-compliant taxicab. It is operated by Metro Taxi drivers who have additional training, and earn the company’s requisite customer service ethics qualifications.

MetroAccess is servicing customers who use wheelchairs and scooters in 13 towns and cities in the Greater New Haven area, 24 hours a day; seven days a week.

"MetroAccess is improving and changing lives. Metro Taxi's new service lets those with disabilities participate much more in family functions and enjoy the same lifestyle luxuries -- movies, restaurants, holiday celebrations -- that others may take for granted. Last week, I drove a man to a private party who had not been out of his house for six months. MetroAccess is about quality of life!"

- Kevin Flegler, Dedicated MetroAccess Driver

"We're very excited for New Haven to be the first city in the state to have MetroAccess service available to residents with mobility disabilities, said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. "We congratulate Metro Taxi for taking leadership in this area. It's important that we work together to ensure that all residents have access to quality transportation services and not allow disabilities to become barriers."

Today, The City of New Haven’s Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities along with Metro Taxi, the state’s largest, full-service taxi company, jointly launched Connecticut’s first wheelchair-accessible cab, “ .” The state’s first ADA-compliant taxicab is owned and operated by Metro Taxi in West Haven. Supported by a recently-passed state regulation permitting this type of wheelchair-accessible taxicab, is ready to begin around-the-clock service to customers who use wheelchairs and scooters within Greater New Haven.

“Here in New Haven we knew there was a large gap in the mass transportation available to individuals with mobility disabilities,” said Duprey. “If you needed a ride on short notice, there were no options available to you. In a local study we did, transportation was cited by almost a two-to-one margin as an area that needed improvement and 31 percent of individuals with disabilities said they were not working because of the lack of affordable, convenient and accessible transportation, Duprey explained. “That’s why I believe Metro Taxi’s new, wheelchair-accessible taxi will open doors for many members of the community to both employment and community activities, which is very exciting.”

- Mayor John DeStefano

"Here in New Haven we knew there was a large gap in the mass transportation available to individuals with mobility disabilities," said Duprey. "If you needed a ride on short notice, there were no options available to you. In a local study we did, transportation was cited by almost a two-to-one margin as an area that needed improvement and 31 percent of disabled individuals said they were not working because of the lack of affordable, convenient and accessible transportation, Duprey explained. "That's why I believe Metro Taxi's new, wheelchair-accessible cab will open doors for many members of the community to both employment and community activities, which is very exciting."

- Michelle Duprey, Esq., Director of The City of New Haven's Dept. of Services for Persons with Disabilities

"Bill Scalzi, president of Metro Taxi, deserves a gold star for getting the DOT legislation revised to allow for wheelchair-accessible cabs and for having the vision and leadership to launch MetroAccess," said Kris Barber, assistant coordinator for The City of New Haven's Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities. "Wheelchair-accessible taxis fill the gap in the public and paratransit transportation system for people who use wheelchairs or scooters for mobility," Barber added.

- Kris Barber, Assistant Coordinator for The City of New Haven's Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities

"The challenge to get wheelchair-accessible taxicabs in the state has been a long-time campaign of mine given the value, freedom and equality they will bring to the disability community," said William Scalzi, president and founder of Metro Taxi. "MetroAccess is the first step among many others to come that will provide new and essential transportation resources for people who use wheelchairs through grants such as the "New Freedom Initiative" and other federal funding sources," Scalzi said. "Metro Taxi definitely wants to add more wheelchair-accessible taxicabs to its fleet."

- Bill Scalzi, President of Metro Taxi

The Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities promotes the coordination of resources for persons with disabilities, responds to the needs of persons with disabilities and monitors and takes appropriate actions to ensure compliance with relevant federal, state and local regulations.