17/01/2011

Starting this month, London’s 90,000 Taxicard members face bigger restrictions on travel and independence as a result of funding cuts to the popular scheme. The cuts will mean increased prices for shorter and fewer journeys and will limit the number of journeys disabled people will be able to take.

The cuts were decided in November by the London Councils Transport and Environment committee, the body which administrates Taxicard, under pressure from cuts from the Mayor and Transport for London (TfL).

Inclusion London, Transport for All, London Visual Impairment Forum and Age Concern London had written to London Councils urging them to protect the scheme.

From 4th January this year, cuts to the Taxicard scheme mean that most members will be allowed only one return trip a week within a few miles of their home, and will be barred from double swiping, which allows members to use two of their allocated trips in one journey. The cuts were carried out with no consultation.

Taxicard provides subsidised door to door transport to disabled and older londoners who cannot use inaccessible bus and train services. It allows members to book a taxi for reduced rates, with the difference between the rate they pay and the rate charged by the taxi paid by London Councils.

Inclusion London wants London Councils, the Mayor and Transport for London to think again about cutting a service that is critically important to disabled people. And we want a commitment to consultation on such proposals.

You can get more information through Transport for All www.transportforall.org.uk