TAXIS: ARE INFIRM AND FRAIL PEOPLE BEING LEFT BEHIND? THE CASE FOR SWIVEL SEATS

This paper suggests several reasons why taxis are likely to become more important for meeting the travel needs of frail and infirm old people in the UK. Buses and minibuses are not the only transport mode that should cater for the special needs of people with disabilities. Manufacturers have not yet been persuaded to develop a genuinely low floor minibus, so that elderly passengers could have level access from the pavement. Other reasons why taxis are being used more by older people include: (1) their greater convenience; (2) their availability 24 hours a day; (3) they do not necessarily cost more to use than minibuses; (4) the decline of many public transport services; and (5) British local authorities are seeking more flexible transport provision. The author also reports his study of how far current taxi designs are suitable for elderly people. Many elderly people with disabilities are dissatisfied with the standard London taxi, which is increasingly being specified by local authorities. Although more taxis of this sort are being made accessible to wheelchair users, there is also a need to install grab handrails and swivel seats. Saloon car designs of taxi are also generally preferred. The search for improved taxi designs should continue. For the covering abstract see IRRD 869481.