Accessible taxi shortage leaves wheelchair users and seniors struggling

[Photo: Renato Marques]

The difficulty of hailing taxis has long been a contentious issue in Macau, frequently raised in the Legislative Assembly (AL), and lawmaker Wong Kit Cheng emphasized that this challenge is particularly daunting for wheelchair users and the elderly.

Wong cited September 2024 data from the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS) showing more than 6,000 registered individuals with physical disabilities in Macau, stressing the unmet needs of seniors and mobility-impaired residents.

She expressed concern that despite the expansion of accessible taxis to 24 vehicles, the scale of the service may still fall short of meeting overall societal demand.

During a policy debate late last year, the Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raymond Tam, stated that there are currently over 1,400 taxis in Macau, with plans to introduce an additional 800. The number of accessible taxis will increase from the current seven to 28, and these vehicles are expected to be gradually put into service this year.

The policy guidelines clearly outline plans to optimize taxi service supply and advance research on online booking models. In addition, the lawmaker proposed that, in conjunction with future barrier-free legislation, efforts should focus on expanding accessible vehicle fleets while improving street-crossing facilities.

Proposed measures include enhancing pavement smoothness, lowering curb heights, and ensuring adequate operating and parking conditions for rehabilitation buses.

These initiatives aim to ensure seamless integration between community facilities, pedestrian networks, and barrier-free public transport services, she noted.

Meanwhile, lawmakers Leong Hong Sai and Ho Ion Sang submitted a written inquiry to the Cultural Affairs Bureau regarding the construction of barrier-free environments. In response, the bureau addressed the lawmakers on legal standards, highlighting increased awareness of the needs of individuals with hearing impairments and various support measures implemented in recent years.

According to the bureau’s written reply to the joint inquiry, these measures include providing information through text displays and voice announcements on public transport vehicles, such as buses and the light rapid transit (LRT) system, as well as in public entities, medical institutions, banks, and other venues, which have also adopted display screens with simultaneous voice announcements. Additionally, service facilities have installed video alarm systems, induction loops, and video sign language interpretation services.

Focusing on accessibility legislation in the construction sector, the bureau emphasized its commitment to the key development directions of the next phase of the 10-year Action Plan for Rehabilitation Services.

Future efforts outlined by the bureau include conducting preliminary research on accessibility building legislation, developing an online accessibility map guidance service, launching a smart assistive device rental service, and trialing smart technology devices that convert speech to text in real time at meetings or events.

The authorities also stated they will establish regulations addressing accessibility needs for the hearing-impaired, such as requiring the installation of video alarm systems to meet information access requirements.

Notably, the city’s two public bus operators are required to install video and audio stop announcement systems on all buses.

The Transport Bureau (DSAT) will also leverage revisions to bus contracts to mandate that these companies gradually expand coverage of the visually impaired assistance system, allowing individuals with diverse needs to access bus arrival information more effectively.