Braille gives blind taxi users a fair go

Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB)
1 October 2008

Media release

Braille gives blind taxi users a fair go

The RNZFB applauds new legislation which comes into effect today, requiring all taxis to display important passenger information in braille.

The Land Transport Operator Licensing Rule means that from 1 October, all taxis must have a braille sign with:

the name of the taxi company
the cab’s unique fleet number
the taxi company’s contact phone number for complaints

The braille sign will be inside the front passenger door to the left of centre, under the window.

RNZFB Chief Executive Sandra Budd says, “Many of our members rely on taxis as a means of transport, so it’s crucial and only fair that they have the same information as sighted people to ensure quality service and security." 

"Less than five percent of print information worldwide is available in formats that blind and vision-impaired people can access. We hope that braille in taxis is the start of a new era in making more public information accessible."

New Zealand Transport Agency National Manager for Commercial Road Transport John Doesburg says, “Taxis play a crucial role in helping thousands of New Zealanders maintain their mobility and access to goods and services in their communities. It’s important that all passengers have access to information identifying the cab they’re using.”

The braille in taxis legislation follows the announcement last month that the NZ Government is to begin the process of ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.   

"The Convention is all about promoting equity for all disabled people.  The Foundation very much welcomes the ratification which we expect will lead to more initiatives like braille in taxis and ensuring a fair go for the blind community," adds Sandra Budd.   

For more information please contact:
Caitlin Sinclair, RNZFB Communications Coordinator, Ph 09 355 6884 or 021 802 095

Andy Knackstedt, NZTA Media Manager, Ph 04 894 6285 or 021 2763 222

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