U-turn for wheelchair row taxi firm

A TAXI firm that refused to pick up wheelchair users has had to perform a U-turn.

Middlesbrough-based Boro Cars, the largest taxi firm in the North East, had originally said refusing disabled passengers was "morally wrong", but it brought in the policy anyway.

The firm insists that minibuses cost drivers more to rent and that the standard fares, which are the only fares that can be charged to disabled passengers, are not high enough to earn operators any money.

The Facebook and Twitterspheres erupted, calling for a boycott of the firm and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, the 11-times gold-winning Paralympian who lives in Eaglescliffe, Teesside, spoke out on the issue on Twitter.

Now the firm, also known as Boro Taxis, has announced it will "subsidise" drivers who pick up wheelchair-users.

In a statement, the firm said: "Mohammed Bashir and the other directors of Boro Cars are concerned that there is a public misconception of the problems for private hire operators of operating wheelchair-accessible vehicles."

It said minibus drivers expect to be paid fares around twice as much as drivers operating cars. But charging disabled people more would break the Equality Act.

"Boro Cars do not believe that the drivers should bear the responsibility and cost in the circumstances," the statement said.

It called on the local council to pay the difference but will cover the cost in the meantime.

The statement said: "As a temporary measure until such time as the council sees sense Boro Cars will subsidise this service.

"It is hoped that other private hire operators will provide a similar service."

By Press Association reporter