More funding for wheelchair-accessible taxis needed as grant scheme opens for applications

There are calls for an expansion of the Wheelchair Accessible SPSV Grant Scheme to help more taxi drivers buy or convert accessible vehicles and continue to improve accessibility.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) opened the WAV Grant Scheme 2025 for applications on Monday, January 6th, at 10 a.m. The 2025 WAV Grant Scheme will have two rounds of applications, with round two planned to open in July. In 2024, the Grant Scheme received a record 2,800 applications.

All funding was allocated, and applications were closed by the end of January. The NTA is also offering taxi drivers free training on the use of WAVs to develop driver knowledge and skills and increase passenger standards.

The WAV requirement and WAV Grant Scheme have helped increase the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis in Ireland from 850 in 2014 to over 4,000 in 2024. FREENOW’s accessible fleet is also growing strongly, increasing by almost 10% in Q1 2024 alone compared to the previous year.

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles currently make up just over 20% of Ireland’s SPSV fleet, and FREENOW has urged the incoming government to expand the WAV Grant Scheme to support more drivers to enter in industry and offer accessible services.

As a key component of Ireland's public transport system and the only door-to-door service, it is vital that taxis are accessible to all. FREENOW fully supports the National Transport Authority's (NTA) requirement for new taxi licenses to be issued for wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs), ensuring the taxi fleet meets the needs of those with disabilities. 

FREENOW has recently partnered with Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) to raise funds through its Round Up to Donate feature in the app.

Passengers can round up their fare to the nearest euro, with the difference going towards supporting IWA's work, including everything from accessible transport to community-based services, sporting opportunities and youth programmes.

Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at FREENOW Ireland, said: “Taxis are an essential part of Ireland's public transport infrastructure, and the WAV Grant Scheme has been hugely important in making the national taxi fleet even more accessible, but more funding is needed.

“The grant received a record number of applications last year and was fully allocated within a month of opening. An expansion of the grant is needed to grow the accessible taxi fleet and make sure those who require a wheelchair-accessible taxi can easily book one.

“We are committed to tackling mobility issues faced by wheelchair users and improving accessibility. FREENOW’s accessible fleet is growing strongly, increasing by almost 10% in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

“Last year we launched our fundraising partnership with IWA to allow FREENOW passengers to round up the cost of their trip to the nearest euro and donate the difference to support their work in Ireland.”

CEO of Irish Wheelchair Association, Ann Marie O’Grady, said: “We’re delighted to see the Wheelchair Accessible Grant Scheme open again for 2025, and we encourage all taxi drivers to look at applying to buy or convert to an accessible vehicle.

“We strongly support the NTA requirement for all new taxi licences to be wheelchair accessible and the WAV Grant has been essential making taxis more accessible. Despite the improvements, people who need wheelchair accessible taxis are still having difficulty finding them and more support is needed.”