Visually impaired people taking taxis: Taichung City's exclusive subsidy

(Taiwan Business News) The Taichung City Government has pioneered the "Subsidy for Taxi Fares for the Visually Impaired" measure, which will be fully implemented on June 10 this year. Each person can receive a monthly taxi fare subsidy of 1,000 yuan. Visually impaired friends can ride using ride vouchers or with a multiple disability handbook for moderate or above visual impairment. A total of 3,600 eligible visually impaired friends will benefit, making Taichung City a "friendly city of love without barriers."

It was explained that this measure is subsidized by the Public Welfare Lottery Surplus Allocation Fund and combines 5 highly rated taxi fleets, including New Taichung, Yonglong, Guotong, Feigou and Taiwan Taxi, to join the service ranks.

Taichung Deputy Mayor Xu Zhongxiong stated that it is initially estimated that 13.5 million yuan will be needed this year. At present, 9 million yuan has been allocated, and for the shortfall, Mayor Hu Zhiqiang has also instructed that reserve funds be used to cover it.

Feigou Taxi manager Chen Kuantu said that visually impaired friends can use the telephone taxi-hailing service and may first explain the waiting location and their characteristics, wait as close to the roadside as possible, and the driver will get out of the car to assist, allowing visually impaired friends to board safely. In addition, over the past 10-plus years, Feigou has consistently encouraged taxi drivers to serve friends with disabilities, subsidizing drivers 20 yuan per trip, and drivers are all very willing to serve friends with disabilities.

The Taichung City Social Affairs Bureau stated that visually impaired friends holding a "handbook (certificate) for moderate or above visual impairment or multiple disabilities including moderate or above visual impairment" may, after June 10, go to the district office where their household registration is located to fill out an application form. After verification of the disability handbook (certificate), national ID card, and surrender of the "Senior Citizens' Love Ride Card" (not required if none), they can receive monthly ride vouchers with a face value of 1,000 yuan issued on behalf of the district office.

In addition, when visually impaired friends take a reserved taxi, the fare will be calculated by the meter according to mileage. Visually impaired friends may simply pay with ride vouchers (any amount exceeding the voucher value shall be paid by the visually impaired person themselves). Visually impaired friends are also reminded to carry their disability handbook (certificate) with them for identity verification when riding.

▲The Taichung City Government has pioneered the "Subsidy for Taxi Fares for the Visually Impaired" measure, which will be fully implemented on June 10 this year. (Provided by the Taichung City Government)