After 7:30 p.m., when Topeka Metro ends it service for the night and heads toward the bus barn, ways to get around the city narrow for those who need a wheelchair-accessible ride.
Topeka Metro and Capital City Taxi have teamed up to fill that gap by adding a wheelchair-accessible vehicle that will run after Topeka Metro’s regular service hours end. Kevin Moten, owner of Capital City Taxi, said the move was a small step for Topeka when it comes to people with disabilities.
“I’m excited to be a part of this project and help everyone out in the city,” Moten said. “Hopefully this will be the very first part, first step, in growing of everything.”
For the month of September, anyone using the MV-1 vehicle will pay $10 for a one-way ride in the city, Moten said. On Oct. 1, the MV-1 will start charging regular taxi rates.
While the $10 special lasts, Moten said, drivers will only transport people within the city limits, but once rates return to normal, the taxi will take passengers wherever they need to go.
Susan Duffy, Topeka Metro general manager, said they expect the taxi to book up quickly and suggests calling Capital City Taxi to secure a ride if needed.
(Read more: Local – The Topeka Capital-Journal)