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North East entrepreneur launches specialist wheelchair taxi firm

Access Cars, a new taxi firm specialising in wheelchair accessible vehicles, has launched in North Tyneside.

The firm wish to make booking wheelchair vehicles a ‘one call’ straightforward process, in a sector that can often pose difficulties for disabled users.

The venture is headed up by North East entrepreneur Paul Irwin who, in addition to roles at production company Tyne Idols and at North East guided tour company EastCoast Tours, has 25 years experience in operating EastCoast Taxis, in the regionbased from Whitley Bay.

Paul, who launched Access Cars this month, hopes that Access Cars will make things easier and more convenient for wheelchair users to book a taxi, particularly to their needs with a ‘one stop shop’.

Christopher Davidge, Marketing Manager, said: “Our vehicles are all set up to help people with various accessibility needs. Standard with our cars are ramps and large sliding doors in addition our drivers have all been trained in customer service skills, safe loading and unloading techniques.”

“We want our customers to feel safe and comfortable whilst travelling with us door to door. Safety and comfort is 100% our top priority.”

The company has gone the extra mile to find out what their customers want via consultation with wheelchair users whilst developing their service policies.

Access Cars are launching a dedicated email address where feedback and suggestions can be posted from their customers in order to streamline the service as they develop.

One person who has been consulted is actress and wheelchair user Kim Tserkezie who stars in CBeebies Balamory.

Kim said: “Accessible transport is vital to the independence of disabled people. We have increasingly active lives and many of us rely on taxi services to get to work and help get our kids to school.

“As someone who has been badly injured in the past in a taxi incident, I consider safety paramount. It’s important that taxi providers listen to the personal needs of the customer.

“I welcome Access Cars’ commitment to consult fully with disabled customers in order to provide a service accessible to all. Access is much more than providing a ramp on board, it’s also about the attitude that goes with it.”