Proposal for limo service for people with disabilities goes before taxi board

Sunshine Transit Services is going before the Manitoba Taxicab Board seeking the special licence for limos for people with disabilities. (file image courtesy MV-1)

On Wednesday morning, Sunshine Transit Services presented their case in front of the Manitoba Taxi Board to grant them a licence to offer the first accessible limousine service in Winnipeg.

Gary Jakeman is behind this push. His wife, who has a disability, says that, while nobody needs a limo service, if it is offered to the general public, it must be accessible to all.

Allen Mankewich, co-chair of the Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities, told the board there are special events like graduation, weddings and birthdays where everyone should have the option to ride in a limo.

On the opposition, are Duffy’s and Unicity Taxi. Both companies said there is a lack of business in the limo industry and because of that, limos are now imposing on their livelihood.

The proposed service is already being used in Toronto and will soon be in operation in Montreal.

Jakeman says if the board approves the licence, it will take four months to get the accessible limousine service in Winnipeg. As for the cost to take a ride in the limo, he says he hopes to keep the prices comparable executive car rates.

The Manitoba Taxi Board is now reviewing the case.