Augusta - The Maine Department of Transportation and A-1 Cab Service, a private taxi service located in Saco, Maine, are pleased to announce the groundbreaking arrival of the region?s first handicapped accessible taxis to serve individuals with disabilities in southern Maine.
The minivan equipped with a side-entry ramp is part of MaineDOT?s Accessible Taxi Grant Program utilizing New Freedom funds from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The purpose of the New Freedom program is to provide new public transportation services and public transportation alternatives beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 that assist individuals with disabilities with transportation, including but not limited to, transportation to and from jobs and employment support services.
The accessible vehicle was purchased using a combination of FTA New Freedom grant money and a local share contribution that came directly from A-1 Cab Service.
?MaineDOT applauds the willingness of A-1 Cab Service to enter into a public-private partnership with the state to assist it in removing barriers to transportation services. John and Debra Surran and their entire staff have set a standard in how small businesses can partner with a state agency to do the right thing for their communities they serve,? said MaineDOT Commissioner David Bernhardt.
A-1 Cab Service will provide rides for individuals with disabilities in coordination with regional transportations providers such as York County Community Action Program, as well as general public riders. For more information regarding A-1 Cab Service and how to access this new service, please visit their website: http://www.a1cabservice.com
A-1 Cab Service will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony introducing the addition of an Accessible Taxi minivan to its fleet on Saturday, March 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at Southern Maine Motors showroom located at 824 Portland Road, Saco, Maine.
For more information regarding MaineDOT?s Accessible Taxi Program and additional New Freedom Grant funding opportunities, please contact Penny Vaillancourt at 207.624.3240 or penny.vaillancourt@maine.gov.