(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Disabled Lebanese citizens took another hit on Monday as Beirut’s wheelchair users faced the closure of the only taxi company that caters to their needs.
The London Taxi company, which advertises itself as the “sole provider” of wheelchair-friendly taxis, is facing financial trouble that could force it to shut down as early as this year.
London Taxi vehicles are equipped with a ramp suitable for electronic and manual wheelchair users.
The company is facing financial distress as a result of low tourist numbers, an ongoing security crisis, and vehicle gas consumption.
The Daily Star also reports that the company says “people have an impression that our prices are more expensive than other taxi companies.”
Although prices are similar to other Beirut taxi companies, London Taxi’s handicapped-accessible vehicles consume twice the amount of gas as regular taxi cars.
London Taxi works exclusively with the Lebanese Physical Handicapped Union, which makes the closure particularly difficult for the hundreds of disabled Lebanese they cater to.