Metro Taxi Rolls Out ‘MV-1’ Mobility Vehicle:
Powered by Compressed Natural Gas and Wheelchair-Accessible
MV-1 is World’s First Purpose-Built Taxi to Meet the Americans with Disabilities Act
WEST HAVEN, Conn. (Jan. 31, 2012) – Metro Taxi, the state’s largest, full-service taxicab company that spurred new legislation and brought the first wheelchair-accessible taxi cab to Connecticut in 2009, today rolled out the new “MV-1” mobility vehicle. The MV-1 is the world’s first vehicle to be designed from the ground up as a wheelchair-accessible taxi and is powered by domestically-produced Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The MV-1 is also the only domestically-built cab that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In Sept. 2011, Metro Taxi opened a public access fueling station at its West Haven-based headquarters using a grant for alternative fuel vehicles from the Connecticut Clean Cities Future Fuels Project, the state’s largest public/private partnership of its kind. Today’s roll-out puts the first six MV-1 taxis on the streets of Greater New Haven to be followed by about five more in each of the next 12 weeks. Like its 2009 predecessor, the wheelchair-accessible taxi service is called “Metro Access,” and like all other Metro Taxis, it offers on-demand transportation, 24/7.
Metro Taxi expects to gradually replace 110 gasoline-burning cabs with CNG powered taxis as part of its normal replacement cycle. In 2012, Metro Taxi’s CNG fleet is expected to displace about a half-million gallons of gasoline per year. That equates to about 10 million pounds of Carbon Dioxide. Of the 110 new Metro Taxis, 70 are expected to be wheelchair-accessible.
The New MV-1 Mobility Vehicle
Designed in Florida and manufactured in Indiana, Metro Taxi’s MV-1 is powered by domestically-produced CNG known for its low carbon emissions, safety and economy. A gas gallon equivalent (GGE) of Compressed Natural Gas currently costs $259.9.
The MV-1 is the first “purpose-built” vehicle engineered specifically to be an accessible taxi and is the only American-made cab that meets the Americans with Disabilities Act. The MV-1 has a deployable, integrated side ramp that exceeds ADA guidelines with its 1,200 pound capacity. The ramp also has an anti-slip floor for safe entry and exit. The vehicle’s floor-to-ceiling height is close to five feet and has a low step-in to accommodate up to four passengers. The MV-1’s power-train includes a Ford 4.6L V8 engine and a Ford electronic 4-speed transmission. When not being used for its wheelchair-accessibility, the MV-1 frequently transports students with special needs who cannot ride the school bus and college and university students who may be on their own and away from their families.
“We are adding wheelchair-accessible CNG-powered taxis to our fleet to provide the public with a spacious, modern cab, lower fuel costs, lessen harmful emissions for the environment, and reduce overall dependency on foreign oil,” said Bill Scalzi, president and CEO of Metro Taxi. “The business decision is a win/win for everyone and we’re delighted to offer new freedom, equality and independence for those with disabilities through expanded, on-demand Metro Access service.”
In a 2009 study conducted by The City of New Haven’s Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities, Scalzi noted that public transportation was cited by almost a two-to-one margin as needing improvement, and 31 percent of individuals said they we not working because of lack of affordable, convenient and accessible transportation.
The New Freedom Fund Taxi Voucher Program
Through a partnership with The Greater New Haven Transit District (GNHTD) and with a grant from the Federal Transportation Administration, Metro Taxi offers Connecticut’s first New Freedom Fund Taxi Voucher Program to provide a 50 percent discount in Metro Taxi fares. This discount is targeted for people with disabilities who qualify for paratransit service, waiving the three-quarter mile proximity beyond the Americans with Disabilities act. http://www.metrotaxict.com/metroaccess/index.htm
“It is essential that we closely collaborate to ensure that all residents have access to quality transportation services and never allow disabilities to become barriers,” said Donna K. Carter, executive director of The Greater New Haven Transit District. “The New Freedom Fund Taxi Voucher Program impressively raises the benchmark of transportation options available to those with mobility disabilities. It fills a critical gap in the federally-mandated ADA service even though The GNHTD provides more than 350 trips per day to this population under its ADA service and more than 500 trips per day to elderly and disabled across its entire program spectrum,” Carter said.
Metro Taxi Mobility Manager
Last fall, Metro Taxi also became Connecticut’s first taxi company to add the newly-created position of Mobility Manager when hiring Kristin Barber, a disability advocate who has worked with children and adults with disabilities for more than 30 years. Barber serves as outreach liaison and an advocate for persons with disabilities. Previously, Barber was assistant coordinator for The City of New Haven’s Department of Services for Persons with Disabilities. At Metro Taxi, Barber is customizing a certificated program which now includes wheelchair-accessibility training, including boarding and de-boarding protocols, First Person Language, disability awareness and etiquette. All independent contractors who drive with Metro Access are trained in their ADA-compliant responsibilities. Metro Taxi’s training includes in-person instruction, augmented by CD, DVD and published materials.
About Metro Taxi
Metro Taxi has been voted by New Haven Advocate readers as “Best in New Haven” for seven consecutive years and was named by Business New Haven as a regional green leader. Metro Taxi co-owners, Bill and Isabelle Scalzi, were honored by West Haven Chamber leadership and West Haven Mayor John M. Picard as “2010 Business Persons of the Year.” Also in 2010, Bill received the Americans with Disabilities Act Coalition of Connecticut, Inc.’s “Spirit of ADA Award” and Connecticut Clean Cities’ award for outstanding citizenship in the use of alternative fuels. The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association named Bill “2010 TLPA Operator of the Year,” out of approximately 1,100 worldwide members. www.metrotaxict.com
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