Mobility Ventures, manufacturer of the wheelchair-accessible MV-1, is partnering with the Washington, D.C., taxi commission to help cab drivers and cab companies who want to add the vehicle to their fleets.
The DC Taxicab Commission (DCTC) is offering grants of up to $7,500 to drivers or companies that purchase an MV-1, or grants of $2,500 to offset the cost of renting an MV-1. Grant recipients must agree to use the MV-1 vehicles in the Transport DC program, which offers low-cost transportation to people with disabilities.
Grant recipients must complete an online sensitivity training course that is being created with the DC Office of Disability Rights.
United Spinal is also partnering with DCTC and Mobility Ventures on the grant program.
In a news announcement of the grant program, acting DCTC Chairman Ernest Chrappah said, “The commission is committed to reducing the burden of regulations on drivers and simultaneously expanding accessible taxi service. We are also pleased to have a public/private partnership to assist District taxi operators to obtain new wheelchair-accessible vehicles.”
The grant program began distributing applications on July 28, and will continue until Sept. 30 or until the $750,000 in allocated funds has been dispensed.
“The evolution of the MV-1 reflects our passion for producing a vehicle that combines affordability and durability with comfort and safety for all passengers,” said Howard B. Glaser, president of AM General’s Commercial Business. “Mobility Ventures is pleased to be able to work with DCTC to support the expansion of accessible service.”
AM General owns Mobility Ventures.
