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My Delegation in Support of Reviewing Fund Allocations for Accessible Taxis
I was excited for the opportunity to submit my application for a couple of the Advisory Committees of Council following the review, until I watched the last meeting of the AAC, the voice of the disabled community.
It is a fact that for the vast majority of people, disablility is not a question of if, but when - whether it is a temporary disability, like when I had a tibial plateau fracture, or a permanent disability, like the yet to be diagnosed condition making me have to sit today.
The item before us today was not supported by the AAC for a very good reason, there is an upcoming review of the AAC account and the use of the funds collected through the program scheduled in 2026, and the AAC wants those funds to be used to the best benefit of the disabled community.
During their delegation to the AAC, the representatives from Red Top stated they have an average of 46 rides per day. With six vehicles, that is approximately 8 trips per vehicle per 24 hour period. With five vehicles, that becomes approximately 9 trips per vehicle per 24 hour period. It seems unreasonable to have each vehicle do one additional trip per 24 hours for a period of time. Additionally, ODSP is also a user of Red Top as a provider for medically necessary trips, I was grateful to have the service to take me to University Health Network in Toronto, so I question why only the AAC is being asked to provide the subsidy.
Given that the review of the AAC account, and the use of those funds, is scheduled for next year, I agree with the AAC that the request from Red Top not be supported, at this time. I understand the way the bylaw is written provides for the fitting of vehicles, including taxicabs, and I understand that the AAC membership would like to understand if the funds are being put to their best use before agreeing to the request from Red Top.
At this time, handing nearly $40k to a for-profit business for five trip differential per 24 hours, seems a poor use of funds until such time as the 2026 review has been completed and it can be confirmed this is a good use of the funds provided to the AAC for the benefit of the disabled community.
Honouring the requests of the AAC on behalf of the wider disabled community is important because nothing about us should be decided without us.