Photo/Illutration Universal Design taxis are equipped with ramps so passengers in wheelchairs can board more easily. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

A group representing people with disabilities is investigating allegations that drivers of Universal Design (UD) taxis often refuse to pick up passengers in wheelchairs.

It aims to improve the taxi service before many wheelchair users from abroad arrive for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The government subsidizes the taxis, specially designed to accommodate people relying on wheelchairs, which come with ramps.

The Japan National Assembly of Disabled People’s International (DPI-Japan) conducted a survey on Oct. 30 of more than 100 UD taxis, mainly in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.

“Even now, many people are refused as passengers,” a DPI-Japan representative said. “With this survey, we intend to identify any problems people with disabilities are having with the service.”

The transport ministry has received complaints that UD taxi drivers would not accept passengers in wheelchairs partly because of the extra time it takes to set up wheelchair ramps.

“When I call a taxi, the company says, ‘We don't have any taxis that accommodate passengers in wheelchairs,’” one complainant told the ministry.

“I was told, ‘I can’t accept you because I haven't been trained to handle disabled passengers.’” another said.

DPI-Japan gathered accounts of any passengers who are refused rides by UD taxi drivers at taxi stands or on the street or turned away by operators when they try to reserve a taxi by phone.

The group also logged how much time it took for passengers to board, and what difficulties they faced in doing so.

In November last year, the transport ministry instructed taxi industry groups to improve their service for passengers with disabilities.

It required taxi companies that receive subsidies when they buy vehicles designed to accommodate people in a wheelchair to train their drivers on using the ramps.

About 20,000 UD taxis and other taxis for the disabled and the elderly in need of assistance were on the road as of March 2018.

The ministry plans to increase the number to 44,000 by the end of fiscal 2020.