City Hall - 455 Main Street Worcester, Massachusetts

Chairperson Councilor Rosen read the item and moved for a roll call vote to adopt the item.
Order adopted on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Chairperson Councilor Rosen read the item and recognized the Director of Accessibility, who discussed the municipal wheelchair accessible medallion program for private taxi companies, the history and availability of the medallions and available services for people who need wheelchair accessible transportation options.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen read the testimony provided by the owner of Worcester Yellow Cab concerning the private company’s intentions and actions taken to apply for the medallions, and discussed the driver training certification program with the Director of Accessibility.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen recognized the Easter Seals MA Vice President of Public Affairs, who discussed the needs for city-supported task force to engage members of the disability and older adult community and the four priorities the task force should focus on.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen recognized the Easter Seals MA Staff Member, who discussed the needs for on-demand accessible transportation services in the city.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen recognized the WRTA Administrator, who discussed the WRTA para-transit service, history of late-night accessible transportation program, the grant application for wheel-chair accessible vehicle for Worcester Yellow Cab, and training program for drivers with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission Staff.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen recognized Councilor Colorio, who discussed available data for when the para-transit service is most requested, the challenges and restrictions faced by the para-transit program, the accessible vehicles utilized by private taxi companies, and the Via transportation program with the WRTA Administrator.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen recognized Easter Seals Massachusetts Staff Member, who discussed the challenges and restrictions relative to Via transportation service and the para-transit service, and the needs to expand accessible transportation services in the city.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen recognized Councilor Rivera, who discussed communication with livery companies concerning taxi medallions and partnership with Worcester Reb Cab to provide accessible transportation services with the Director of Accessibility.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen recognized the following speakers:
1. Mary H., Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
2. Jim Delage, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
3. Laine Miller, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
4. Meg Coffin, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
5. Mike Kennedy, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
6. Nancy Garr-Colzie, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
7. Seth Gaston, Leominster resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
8. Shaun Bartone, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
9. Stephen Stolberg, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a
10. Susan Moriarty, Worcester resident, spoke in favor of item 3a

Chairperson Councilor Rosen brought forth the following Chairman’s Order: Request City Manager communicate with Worcester’s livery companies and inquire whether said companies would be interested in pursuing taxi medallions regarding accessible vehicles.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen then discussed communication with Worcester Red Cab owner and future plans concerning expansion of the WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles).

Chairperson Councilor Rosen recognized Councilor Rivera, who spoke concerning the item.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen recognized the WRTA Administrator, who discussed the process to purchase wheelchair accessible vehicles by the WRTA.

Chairperson Councilor Rosen moved for a roll call vote to recommend the item be held.

Recommend Hold on a roll call vote of 3 Yeas and 0 Nays

Request City Manager communicate with Worcester’s livery companies and inquire whether said companies would be interested in pursuing taxi medallions regarding accessible vehicles.