MADISON – A taxi company has a new service that can provide transportation for individuals who are wheelchair-bound.

This vehicle, owned by A-Plus Taxi, can provide transportation for individuals who are wheelchair-bound. (CONTRIBUTED)

The collaborators for this venture are Phoenix, A-Plus Cab, the City of Huntsville and Madison County Transportation Coalition. The first accessible taxi started operating on Oct. 27 for anyone in Huntsville, Madison and Madison County.

A-Plus Taxi owners have trained several drivers for the vehicle that has the new equipment. The accessible taxi, owned by A-Plus, will operate as many hours each a day as the demand exists. Assistance from the Southern Disability Foundation has helped to launch the project.

Phoenix provided the demonstration grant to purchase the adaptive devices for the vehicle. Phoenix’ goal is to provide data to demonstrate to other cab companies that similar vehicles may be a good business decision for them.

“Having such a cab in Madison County will enable people and families with disabilities to enjoy dinner out with friends and family, a movie, a concert and many other quality-of-life moments most of us take for granted,” Phoenix President and CEO H. Bryan Dodson said. “We hope the data will lead to additional such taxis in the future.”

A new van with adaptive equipment costs $45,000 or more, Dodson said.

Before A-Plus’ new taxi, public transportation for persons in wheelchairs was not available after 4:30 p.m. or on weekends. “Hopefully, this vehicle will add substantially to the quality of life for many (individuals) with disabilities,” Dodson said.

To contact A-Plus Cab, call 256-534-5000.

Phoenix’ office address is 2939 Johnson Road SW in Huntsville. For more information, call 256-704-0954 or email to bdodson@phoenixhsv.org.