Mobility Ventures, LLC, manufacturer of the universally accessible MV-1 vehicle, and the Washington D.C. Taxi Commission (DCTC) announced delivery of the first 14 new MV-1 wheelchair-accessible taxis as part of an innovative grant initiative that helps taxi owners and drivers purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles.
A media event was held at Transco, Inc., in Northeast, D.C., where as part of the grant initiative, disability sensitivity and vehicle operation training is offered free of charge to taxi owners and operators. The event was attended by key community, business and disability advocate leaders, to recognize the success of this initiative in helping to get more accessible vehicles on the streets of the nation's capital.
Under the public-private initiative, the DCTC offered taxicab company owners and drivers a $7,500 grant towards the purchase of a MV-1 wheelchair accessible vehicle, with Mobility Ventures contributing additional incentives to lower the cost of ownership for grant recipients.
"Accessible transportation is an absolute necessity for those in the disability community, and Mobility Ventures is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Mayor Bowser, DCTC Chairman, Ernest Chrappah and disability advocates around the city as we fight to bring equal accessibility to transportation one step closer to reality," said Howard Glaser, President of AM General Commercial Business (parent company of Mobility Ventures). "We look forward to continuing our work with the DC Taxi Commission and other local, state and federal entities, knowing together we can bridge the gap in accessible transportation."
"My Administration is committed to providing transportation options that are convenient, equitable, and accessible to every resident and visitor in the District of Columbia," said Mayor Muriel Bowser. "We are excited to deliver 14 new wheelchair accessible taxis that will meet the needs of riders and raise the bar for accessible transport in the nation's capital."
Information about the MV-1 family of accessible vehicles can be found at www.mv-1.us