New practical demonstration helps Dublin taxi drivers improve services for passengers with disabilities
Drivers are attending the wheelchair accessibility demonstration organised by FREENOW and IWA in Dublin today
Dublin taxi drivers are today (02.04.25) participating in a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) demonstration organised by Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and FREENOW. This practical demonstration, aimed at ensuring they can provide the best possible service to wheelchair users, is taking place at IWA’s Headquarters in Clontarf.
The session offers a WAV refresher to keep drivers up to speed with best practices for picking up or dropping off wheelchair passengers. A focus group is also taking place to collect insights from wheelchair users to help FREENOW, and its driver partners make more informed decisions regarding the taxi service.
As a key part of Ireland's public transport infrastructure and the only door-to-door public transport service, therefore, it’s essential that they are accessible to everyone. FREENOW strongly supports the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) requirement for new taxi vehicle licences to be Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) to ensure Ireland’s taxi fleet accommodates those with mobility issues or disabilities.
The WAV requirement and WAV Grant Scheme have helped increase the number of wheelchair-accessible taxis in Ireland from 850 in 2014 to nearly 4,000 in 2024. FREENOW’s accessible fleet is also growing strongly, increasing by almost 6% in 2024 compared to the previous year. WAVs currently make up at least 21% of Ireland’s taxi fleet, with the NTA targeting 25% by the end of 2025.
Danny O’Gorman, General Manager at FREENOW Ireland, said: “With the first round of the WAV Grant Scheme closing in only 15 minutes earlier this year and the enthusiasm at our WAV practical demonstration in Dublin today, there is a clear interest from drivers in ensuring that they can provide exceptional service for wheelchair users.
“Increased funding through the WAV Grant is needed to support driver ambitions and the needs of wheelchair users. We are looking forward to working with the Government to secure this funding and extend the WAV Grant Scheme as committed to in the Programme for Government.
“One of FREENOW’s key priorities is tackling transport issues faced by wheelchair users and improving taxi accessibility. In December 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 are delighted to work with Motability Ireland to facilitate the Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle demonstration today in Dublin. It is great to see such an interest from drivers with wheelchair-accessible taxis, ensuring they are up to date with their skills when it comes to supporting wheelchair users.
“FREENOW has demonstrated a clear commitment to transport accessibility and tackling transport issues faced by wheelchair users. Despite improvements in the last 10 years, wheelchair users are still facing difficulties finding accessible taxis. We support FREENOW’s calls for increased funding for the WAV Grant to ensure that Ireland’s taxi fleet is fully accessible for everyone.”
FREENOW Passengers can select the option to Round Up to Donate to IWA when booking their trip, before their next trip or while travelling to their destination by selecting the Round Up and Donate option in the FREENOW app. The feature will support IWA for one year.
ENDS
Note to Editors:
Accompanying photographs can be found here.
FREENOW Ireland, General Manager, Danny O’Gorman is available for interview.
About FREENOW:
FREENOW is Europe’s multi-mobility app with taxi offering at its core, available in 9 European markets and over 150 cities. FREENOW users can access various mobility services within a single app, including taxis, PHV, carsharing, car rental, eScooters, eBikes, eMopeds and public transport. FREENOW partners with numerous mobility brands and aggregates their offering with the ambition to make urban mobility more efficient and sustainable without adding new vehicles on the street. The Germany-based company is backed by the BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility. FREENOW is led by CEO Thomas Zimmermann.
Visit our Website for further information and download the FREENOW app for iOS or Android
About Round Up and Donate:
Within the FREENOW app, passengers have the option to switch on the Round Up to Donate Feature. With the Round Up feature turned on, if your trip costs €10.64, you'll pay €11 and FREENOW will donate the extra €0.36 directly to Irish Wheelchair Association. It's easy to Round Up and Donate. You’ll see the option to donate when booking your trip - just tap to round up your journey or set it up before booking. Or set it up before your next trip by going to your profile, choose Round Up and Donate and turn it on. Already en route to your destination? You’ll see a Round Up and Donate option… just turn it on.
About Irish Wheelchair Association:
Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) is one of Ireland’s leading representative and service delivery organisations for people with physical disabilities. Founded on the belief that everyone should be able to live a life of choice and equality, IWA continues to advocate for and with our members with the lived experience towards an equal society. IWA has 18,000 members across Ireland.