Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis in New York City “Still” Coming
Have you ever become frustrated at not being able to find wheelchair-accessible taxis in New York City? Well, your not alone. And this problem goes back decades. In 2011 a group of disabled advocates finally got together and decided to do something about it. At that time only 2% of active taxi medallions were assigned to accessible vehicles in New York City. So a class action lawsuit was filed against the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) for their failure to adequately provide wheelchair-accessible taxis in New York City.
Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis in New York City Ruling
And the result of this litigation was a groundbreaking settlement agreement on May 30, 2014. The settlement agreement required the TLC to make at least 50% of its fleet wheelchair-accessible by 2020. And 2020 seemed like a long way away in 2014. Six years later when the deadline rolled around, guess what? Only 42% of New York City cabs were wheelchair accessible.
So off to court they went again. This time the plaintiffs (Taxis for All, Dr. Simi Linton, United Spinal Association and the 504 Democratic Club) filed a motion to enforce the original agreement, while the TLC filed a motion to be relieved of it’s obligations under the agreement.
And the result was a decision that was released on August 29, 2024. The TLC was ordered to make 100% of all new taxis wheelchair-accessible, until that original 50% requirement is met. The plaintiffs also asked for a “Special Master” to be appointed to “determine what additional steps defendants can and should take to accelerate the accessibility of yellow taxis.” This was denied; however the judge stated that they may renew this request if the TLC fails to meet the Active Medallion Requirement by March 31, 2025.
So although access to taxis in New York City has greatly improved since 2011, it still has a ways to go. Thanks to all the advocates and their counsel (Disability Rights Advocates and the law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton) for pushing forward for this much needed access.