Cabs Should Accommodate Wheelchairs or Assistive Devices of Persons With Disabilities: SC
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday emphasized the need to find ways to help people with disabilities and suggested that taxi services should be properly equipped with wheelchairs and other assistive devices. The observations came from a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, which was hearing a plea on first mile and last mile connectivity for disabled people.
“There are now taxis everywhere in larger metropolises. Taxis should also be required to accommodate their wheelchairs or assistive devices.” He suggested the idea of designing special taxis for disabled people.
“Apps may have facilities for specific taxis that are suitably modified for these people,” he said, adding: “We need to find ways and means to help them.”
The petitioner’s lawyer touched on the difficulties faced by disabled people when boarding a taxi.
“Most taxis are equipped with CNG, which limits space and does not allow wheelchairs to be carried in the back,” the lawyer said.
He proposed the implementation of a universal design similar to that available in European markets.
“Let’s take a person whose house is one kilometer away from the highway or main road. He comes with an automatic wheelchair. If he doesn’t put it in a taxi, where will he drop it off?” The board requested that the lawyer appear on behalf of the Center.
In response, the Centre’s counsel stated that these matters are currently being examined by the relevant department. They also informed the bench that a committee had been appointed by the Supreme Court to consider a separate petition raising similar concerns.
The Board observed that the issue raised in this petition could also be considered by this committee.
The petitioner’s counsel said that they had a specific case related to last mile connectivity, unlike broader issues.
“This particular issue may also be addressed by the committee that is currently dealing with larger issues,” the delegation said.
The petitioner’s lawyer reminded the court that taxis are now an integral part of public transportation.
The Supreme Court scheduled new hearings regarding the defense for March 24.
