MOWASALAT yesterday launched a batch of taxis specially designed for physically-challenged people. At a function held at the Landmark Mall, three of the six special vehicles were inducted into service.
Jassim Saif al-Sulaiti, chairman and managing director of Mowasalat, the company that runs public transport buses, taxis and special carriages, cut a ribbon to mark their formal launch.
On display were two GMC vehicles and a “London Taxi”, built specially for the purpose.
Speaking to journalists, Mowasalat’s senior business development manager Ahmed al-Ansari said the taxis for people with special needs were launched as part of the company’s effort to meet the travel requirements of all sections of commuters.
As a special gesture, the vehicles, equipped with special facilities like built-in ramps, would be made available for the same rates as other taxis. The minimum charge would be QR 3, he said.
The services of taxis would be available by calling 4588888, said al-Ansari.
The official said the vehicles would not be parked at any particular location, but company could consider making them available at specified locations later, depending on the demand.
Al-Ansari said the vehicles were designed in such a way that it could carry even more than one person with disabilities at one time. Wheel chairs are fitted in the vehicle.
Explaining the reasons for using a four-wheel vehicle for the purpose, the official said even small groups of people accompanying a disabled person could make use of their services. He said drivers were specially trained to help commuters during their sojourns in the vehicle.
Referring to the “London Taxi”, formally launched yesterday, Al-Ansari said it had already been on the road for more than a year and has been getting calls from users at regular intervals.
Welcoming Karwa’s decision to launch special taxis, Dr Adel al-Dahneem of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) said taxis would facilitate easy travel for people with special needs.
Dr Dahneem, a physically-challenged person himself, advised Mowasalat to consider making available such vehicles at regular intervals in the premises of all hospitals in the country.
The doctor appealed to Mowasalat to equip school buses also so that they could carry children with special needs.
Apart from Mowasalat officials, secretary general of Supreme Council for Family Affairs Abdullah bin Nasser al–Khalifa and officials of Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of People with Special Needs were also present at the launching ceremony.

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=155116&version=1&template_id=36&parent_id=16