More people with accessibility challenges across the province will soon have better access to wheelchair accessible taxis, reducing wait times, and allow them get around their communities with ease.

Since its launch in January this year, the Province has provided $2.6 million in grants to 51 taxi companies through its Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program Maintenance Rebate.

This funding is helping reduce the financial impacts of necessary maintenance work on nearly 400 wheelchair-accessible taxis.

"Reducing the costs of maintaining wheelchair-accessible taxis will keep existing vehicles on the road in good condition and encourage more supply," said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

"It will also make it easier for companies to recruit and retain drivers for these vehicles, making sure more people will have access to these specialized taxis provincewide."

By reducing the expenses related to owning and maintaining accessible taxis, the Province is making it easier for more operators to bring more of these vehicles into their fleets.

This can improve the ability for more British Columbians to get where they need to go, when they need to get there.

"These rebates are clearing the financial barriers that have created a real challenge to expand access for people with disabilities," said Dan Coulter, Minister of State for Infrastructure and Transit.

"Thanks to the Passenger Transportation Accessibility Program, more people will have reliable transportation to work, to see family and friends, and to get around their communities."

During the next two years, the ministry will launch additional funding streams that will focus on reducing the cost of operating, purchasing and converting wheelchair-accessible taxis, and providing drivers with training to better support the passengers who rely on them.

This funding will help the taxi industry ensure that more wheelchair-accessible taxis are available to meet the needs of British Columbians.