Shah Hzart says driving an accessible taxi in Toronto is very rewarding — he enjoys helping people. But it’s not as financially rewarding, even when he works seven days a week.
The costs associated with the vehicle are equivalent to a mortgage, he says.
“If I don’t work one day, I am behind,” Hzart said.
“I have to work every single day to break even, I am not saving anything.”
There may be nearly 100 fewer accessible taxis on Toronto’s roads as early as next year, as Canada’s largest taxi company warns most of its accessible fleet will age past the city’s limits, and there isn’t enough incentive for new drivers to take on the role.
Ninety-eight of Beck’s 100 accessible vehicles will need to be replaced as of March 2026, according to operations manager Kristine Hubbard.
While the city has made efforts to buy the fleet time — including allowing wheelchair accessible vehicles to be on the road for up to 10 years instead of seven — Hubbard says Beck’s concerned drivers won’t want to sign up for the job unless more financial support is provided for the industry. The city says it offers incentive programs and grants for drivers.
While ride-hailing services took away some of his business, Hzart says there is such a great need for accessible rides that he often has back to back rides booked.
“Right now when I talk to customers, they wait an hour or two for me to get there,” he said.
He says he tried to take one day off recently and got an emergency call to take a client to a rehab appointment, which he agreed to.
“Once I start my car I don’t stop because there’s so much demand I go from one place to another,” Hzart said.
There is a lack of motivation and interest from drivers when it comes to taking on the role of operating an accessible cab, Hubbard says.
Drivers have to be willing to purchase and customize a new minivan. Those costs, along with fuel and insurance, have skyrocketed in recent years, she says.
“Drivers are not making a living and we’re going to be in real trouble,” she said, adding she’s been flagging this problem to the city for years.
Hubbard says the city should implement a centralized system, combining all of the accessible cabs in one place to help alleviate confusion and wait times for those calling an accessible cab.
“Maybe that’s run by the city, maybe a third party, but if it’s all on one platform people won’t have to hope they’re calling the right place to get the service,” she said.
“The business plan has to exist. It doesn’t right now.”
The City of Toronto’s Accessibility Fund Program has provided incentives for wheelchair accessible taxicab owners and drivers to help offset the costs of providing this service since 2020, city spokesperson Shane Gerard said in a statement.
“The program offers a grant to cover vehicle conversion costs and an incentive based on meeting service standards. Drivers could also receive an incentive for providing wheelchair accessible service,” Gerard said.
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The grant is split into annual disbursements over the lifespan of the vehicle.
The program is funded by a charge the city levies on taxi, ride-hailing and limousine drivers of non-accessible vehicles. Between 2020 and 2024, owners of 2,303 vehicles operating as accessible taxis, limos and ride-hailing services have accessed grants and incentives through the program, Gerard told CBC Toronto.
While this money helps, drivers say it’s not enough. Hzart for example, with a rear entry vehicle, would be eligible to receive about $3,800 per year for seven years, according to numbers provided by the city. He says his current monthly expenses are around $3,000.
Next year, his vehicle will be one of two that is still able to remain on the road. He hopes a plan is put in place before then, because he doesn’t want to see vulnerable residents left behind.
“I can’t do this alone,” he said.
“There has to be a solution or a way to convince drivers to come back.”
