United Spinal statement hails Comptroller Liu's rejection of Taxi of tomorrow contract

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Dec 14, 2012, 11:18 ET

NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association, a membership organization of 37,000 people who want taxis to be wheelchair accessible, applauds New York City Comptroller John Liu for his rejection of the ill-advised Taxi of Tomorrow contract supported by Mayor Bloomberg and Taxi and Limousine Commissioner Yassky.

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James Weisman, United Spinal SVP and General Counsel, stated the following:

"Yassky and Bloomberg would have the future exclude wheelchair and scooter users from the yellow cab system despite increasing life expectancies, soaring Access-A-Ride costs ($500 million this year) and exorbitant Medicaid ambulette costs ($200 million this year).

"The reduction in demand for Access-a-Ride, once the fleet of taxis was accessible, would be dramatic. Moreover, Access-a-Ride could use the taxis instead of their $60 plus per ride system -- so could Medicaid.

"Most offensive, however, is the lack of vision and leadership from City Hall. We implore Council Speaker Quinn to fill this void and pass legislation supported by a veto-proof majority of City Councilmembers to require all new taxis to be accessible.

"John Liu gets it and for this we thank him."

About United Spinal Association

United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

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James Weisman - https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=84382

SOURCE United Spinal Association