TAXI VEHICLES IN USE IN EUROPE - ATTRACTIVE TO ALL CUSTOMERS? AN EVALUATION

This paper presents the requirements of various types of customers, especially the disabled, for taxi vehicles, indicates the types of vehicles used in Europe, and evaluates their suitability. Vehicles for taxi use should have (1) functional values, including travel comfort and ease of entry and exit; and (2) symbolic values, including attractive appearance and looking like a taxi or ordinary car. A low floor height and low door sills are important. The vehicle should either have five passenger seats, or three passenger seats and space for one or two wheelchairs. At least three seats should be accessible for walking disabled people, and any wheelchair space should be properly equipped. Taxi vehicles are usually car-like, and, less often, like minivans or vans. These three types are evaluated with respect to how far they meet the needs of the main groups of taxi customers: (1) people with ambulatory impairments; (2) wheelchair users; (3) people with visual impairments; and (4) people without the impairments important for vehicle design. For the covering abstract see IRRD 869481.