From the Chicago Dispatcher, January 2009
Make More Money (originally printed Dec. 2003)
Reaping the benefits of driving accessible taxis.
By: Dan Van Hecke, Master Chauffeur
Can you make money driving around people with disabilities? Definitely yes, and it can be personally rewarding also but is different than regular taxi driving because people with disabilities:
1. ride more when the weather is good.
2. most trips are round trips, if the driver wants to return.
3. sometimes will take longer trips [$50 - $100}, that you virtually would never get in a regular taxi.
4. even on smaller trips [$6 - $15] there is a large demand (e.g., there are over 600 TAP trips per day as an average, every day of the year).
5. it has been estimated that over 500,000 people have some form of a disability, with at least 60,000 people in wheelchairs in Chicago alone.
How Do “They” Actually Have Money and Why Will They Spend It on a Taxi?
Do not confuse having a disability with being poor or helpless. People with disabilities have jobs, a social like, and all the other transportation needs (and sometimes more) as anyone else.
How Much Work Is It (lifting, carrying, etc.)?
There is more to it than someone else just “hopping in a cab,” but no lifting or carrying is required. Assisting customers typically involves guiding by providing a steadying hand or verbal cues are the main items, aside from securing (tie down) their chairs. The tie-downs are absolutely essential and once quickly (no, not sloppily) learned, does not take more than two minutes or so. The fact that the federal ADA law prohibits you from running the meter while securing, works in your favor (believe it or not) as any tip or return business is wholly dependent upon a customer feeling secure with you.
What Will I Have to Learn?
At Harold Washington College, the TAP class includes wheelchair training and customer sensitivity. Even if you had it to get your license, it would help immensely to repeat for review. Most active drivers now would be glad to help you fine-tune specific points about customers. The thing that cannot be easily taught is that whatever ability a person has that they be treated with dignity and an “I'm glad you're in my taxi!” cheerfulness.
Who Has the Accessible Taxis?
Yellow, Checker, American United, Flash, Blue Ribbon, Magnificent Mile, Chicago Carriage, King Drive Cab, Green Companies. All except Chicago Carriage give a discount of about one day's lease on a weekly basis. Like any other cab they are responsible for the maintenance (and providing tie-down and seat belts for the van).
What About the Two Call Per Day Rule?
The city requires a driver to take two radio calls per day through a central dispatch, which is run by Flash Cab. This radio is in addition to any radio service the company provides. Some points:
A. The two calls are an average, not a strict daily rule. The reporting period is every month, so you could have five on Monday, zero on Tuesday and two on Wednesday, and you still would have tow calls for each three days.
B. A customer does not have to be wheelchair bound to use the accessible cab. They only have to have a disability and request service through Central Dispatch, i.e. crutches, walker or an invisible disability. The City regulation is very clear that they take priority over all other customers.
C. All accessible taxi calls, no matter where picked up, are considered one call per day under-served area credit to renew your chauffeur's license.
D. Any customer you have can further request you through central dispatch and it will be sent to you and credited to you.
E. Any bona-fide no loads at pick-ups are credited.
F. Drivers who are serious about making money will always try to
do more than two calls to build business and reserve to take time or hours off.
G. Finally, it is not only an obligation but is an opportunity. What other cab situation is going to give you a discounted lease and guarantee you 14 trips of your own choosing?
What Do Cab Companies Actually Charge?
Anywhere from $350 to $475 (most companies) depending on age and condition of the cab. A driver who actually produces good records, 60 or more trips per month, is in a better negotiating position. Chicago Carriage charges $575 weekly because the cabs are brand new.
Sounds Interesting. How Would I Proceed?
First, speak with two to three drivers who are actually doing it. Come up with a list of questions and see how they answer. Then talk to three cab companies to check out rates and availability. Between these two inquiries see if you find a driver who might want to share two - three days or days/nights so you can see if it is for you.
If it is then start shopping for a full time cab (if that is what you want). This gives you a track record and some basic experience as well as a foundation while still broadening your horizons.
