Updated at: 12/02/2009 10:35 PM
By: Laura Kennedy
lkennedy@wdio.com

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Should Duluth Cabs Be Wheelchair Friendly?

"This is something I've been waiting for for a a really long time," said Galen White of Duluth.

Galen uses a motorized wheelchair to get around, which can be tricky, especially during the snowy months.

"It's a lot harder in the winter to have a social life if you have a disability, because getting around is much more difficult," said Galen.

Some wheelchair users choose to invest in special vehicles they can drive themselves. But for others, options are limited. Some services only offer transportation to medical appointments. Others have limited hours of operation.

"A cup of coffee could cost you sixty dollars round trip if you want to go out for coffee and take a certain private wheelchair industry," Galen said.

So the Duluth Commission on Disabilities is working on a plan to help folks like Galen. They want to bring wheelchair friendly taxicabs to Duluth.

"An accessible van can serve as a regular taxi too, but it would also have a lift in it and this can provide services for people who need them," said Bob Grytdahl, Duluth Human Rights Officer.

"I think it could be a really great thing that Duluth needs and people with disabilities would really appreciate," said Galen.

Grytdahl says the commission has been talking about this issue for awhile. But now, the process is moving forward.

"Some of the commissioners now have taken steps to do a little needs assessment and call around to some vendors to get a better idea of who would use this service," said Grytdahl.

In a meeting on Wednesday, the commission discussed proposing an ordinance to the city, requiring a percentage of taxicabs to be wheelchair accessible.

"Having a taxi that's available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take you any place you want to go would be just great," said Grytdahl.

Galen says she's excited to see even one wheelchair accessible cab driving down Duluth streets.

"I think even starting out with one cab that's comparable to the regular price of a regular cab would be a positive step forward and seeing where it goes from there," she said.