Timmins is amending its taxi by-law to allow companies to include accessible cabs in their fleets.
The issue of allowing accessible taxi cab licenses in the city has been discussed at length.
After doing some research, police services board members finally agreed to recommend that the taxi by-law should allow for more cabs in the city, but specifically for people with disabilities.
"We're seeing legislation coming down the pipe in any event," said Deputy Chief Des Walsh, Timmins Police Service.
"It is legislation ensuring that all disabled citizens within the community have access to the same types of services that everyone has. And I think what the board has done here is they're being very proactive."
As it stands now, there are no accessible taxi cabs in Timmins.
People have to rely on handi-transit, which is operated by the city and runs on a fixed schedule.
"There is a need for that type of service within our community and it's been proven and the board has been petitioned on that and I think they're making a move in the right direction," Walsh said.
Police board officials expect council to approve the changes within the next few weeks, but it will take some time before we'll see accessible taxis on the roads.
"They're not something you can go down to the local car lots and pick up, so it's something that has to be ordered in," said John Curley, Timmins police services board member.
There are two cab companies operating in Timmins. It's expected the companies will be allowed to use accessible cabs for any customer, provided priority is given to people with special needs.
Those clients can also expect to pay the same fares as anyone else. Companies hope to have the accessible taxis running by the spring.
