To many, the iconic image of a black cab gives off a warm
and pleasant feeling. But since becoming a Wheelchair Boy, I have discovered
that these Taxi’s are no longer a friendly form of ‘public’ transport.
Disabled people make up the general public so all transport
from buses to trains should be accessible. You’ve heard about the incidents
I’ve had on trains in the main, they are fine (apart from the Tube) and after
trying them at University (awkward silence), buses are surprisingly easy to
use.
For as long as I can remember, my dad’s taxi has had a
Wheelchair ramp, which he can unlock and fold out. There are also seatbelts to
secure the chair in place. So, in theory, a black cab is completely disabled
friendly. However, when it comes to putting a wheelchair in, you soon find out
that the accessibility is a fallacy. There is hardly any space so not only do I
bang my head on the roof but there is no room for any other passengers.
My uncle jokes how he would never bother picking up a
disabled person (well I hope he’s joking) but he hasn’t really got the choice.
He can’t, regardless of if he can be bothered. As I said, you can’t call it
‘public’ transport if not everyone is able to use it. Restricting accessibility
to a black cab would be like saying that homosexuals can’t ride on buses. There
would be uproar.
Bye for now!
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