To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail the steps that (i) have been made; (ii) are planned (a) to increase the number of wheelchair accessible taxis across Northern Ireland; (b) to ensure wheelchair accessible taxis are not more expensive for passengers; (c) to ensure taxi companies do not contravene the Equality Act; and (d) to put in place an individual or organisation to oversee the application of disability rights, in particular those relating to taxi businesses.

Under current taxi legislation there is no requirement for taxi operators to have a minimum number of wheelchair accessible vehicles, and the option to include these in their fleet is at the discretion of the operators and drivers. Neither does my Department under current taxi legislation have the powers to deliver financial support for the purchase or operation of a Wheelchair Accessible Taxi.

Taxi fares are consistent for all passengers who can be charged up to the maximum fare tariff allowed.

Taxi companies are responsible for complying with equality legislation. My officials previously met with the Consumer Council, IMTAC and the Equality Commission, which led to direct contact between the Commission and the three largest taxi operators in NI. As responsibility for disability rights relating to taxi businesses rests with the taxi companies my Department has no plans to oversee their application.

If a passenger feels there has been a contravention of the Equality Act they can make a complaint firstly to the taxi operator and then to DVA through the complaints process:-

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/making-complaint-about-taxi-service#toc-0