It’s not a magic school bus, but a new service being offered will make life a lot easier for patients confined to a wheelchair. It’s called the Handi-Cab and it is exactly what it says: a taxi specially outfitted for the handicapped. 7NEWS went for a test drive today.
Keith Swift Reporting,
This is how most patients leaving the hospital in wheel chairs are transported: they are stuffed – or like this man – they have to crawl into the backseat of cars - which apart from being uncomfortable – may also be dangerous.
Anthony Chan,
“I can see people loading their loved ones and invalid people into vehicles and that is very very dangerous for people, they can fall. It is an accident waiting to happen.”
And that’s an accident that now doesn’t have to happen because of this mini-van which is Belize’s first Handi-Cab. Anthony Chan is the driver.
Anthony Chan,
“It comes with a ramp where the wheelchair can be rolled right up into it and it has safety hooks that will hook down the wheelchair inside so it can’t move while we’re driving. We would have to assist them in accessing the cab. The ramp unfolds out of the side of the cab when the door opens and we just push them right up in there and lock them off and drive them away. This service can be utilized any which way people find it convenient. We will do tours for them, we will do road trips for them, we will do just about anything that a regular taxi can do for people.”
The Handi-Cab is owned by Joel Wade who saw the need for a wheel chair capable cab following a sports injury two years ago.
Joel Wade,
“Two years ago I did a surgery on my knee and I had to make several trips to the hospital and during that time I saw the need for that type of service.”
The Handi-Cab began operating from the KHMH parking lot last week. A ride will cost you between $10 and $20.
You can call the Handi-Cab at 620-8050.
