Winnipeg Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Pilot
On January 21, 2022, the Vehicle for Hire (VFH) office awarded the contract to begin the process for creating the Winnipeg WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicle) Accessible Centralized Dispatch system. The Winnipeg WAV is a pilot project to address improvements to accessible on-demand service, in line with the needs of both residents and the industry.
The goals of this pilot project are to:
- Ensure a comparable level of service for those who use accessible or standard vehicles for hire;
- Improve safety of passengers;
- Provide incentives to drivers and owners of accessible vehicles;
- Improved tracking of accessible trips and wait times, in order to continue to reduce wait times.
Winnipeg WAV was launched in May 2022. Visit winnipeg.ca/WAV for details.
Apply
Drivers and accessible vehicle owners interested in participating in the Winnipeg WAV pilot project can now submit an application. This system does not replace your current dispatcher, and will work alongside your regular dispatching system.
Apply today to ensure your application is uploaded into the centralized dispatch system in time for our anticipated launch date shortly after.
There is no fee for drivers or accessible vehicle owners to operate on this system.
Driver application forms
Vehicle application forms
Vehicle owners and drivers who are approved to operate on the centralized dispatch system will receive an email communication from the Vehicle for Hire office indicating next steps in the process.
The accessible vehicle you drive will be provided with a smart-meter tablet (at no cost) in your vehicle which will allow you to quickly and easily receive and accept requests for service.
Financial incentives
The City has implemented an incentive program for drivers and accessible vehicle owners who meet minimum qualifications. You are encouraged to apply early to avoid delays with incentives.
Accessible vehicle drivers and owners who take part in the pilot can earn financial incentives (up to $2,250/year for drivers and up to $2,500/year for owners). These incentives will assist owners with the additional costs associated with purchasing and maintaining accessible vehicles and for drivers in operating an accessible vehicle. Incentives will be based on customer service metrics, including number of trips provided through Winnipeg WAV, customer service rating, trip acceptance rates, expanded hours of service, and passing inspections.
Background
On April 29, 2021, Council approved a new three-year pilot to improve accessible vehicle for hire access for Winnipeggers through a new on-demand service known as Winnipeg Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, or Winnipeg WAV.
Winnipeg WAV will be a centralized dispatch service to request on-demand wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The service also aims to improve wait times for passengers by increasing the number of accessible vehicles available and expanding service hours.
The budget for the pilot is $1.8 million, and is being funded entirely through the existing accessibility surcharge on vehicle for hire trips.