Mumbai Special Taxi Services

I read a news article on BBC today about a man who is starting the first special taxi services for disabled people in Mumbai, India. It caught my attention because, coincidentally, starting Monday I'll make three trips on the Taipei City-sponsored van before the week is over. The van, fitted with a lift, will costs just 1/3 of the normal taxi fare.

I've been using the van service more now that I'm starting school, and it's taken me to shopping malls and museums when I run out of things to do at home. Though it's always very bumpy and somewhat uncomfortable to ride in one, the van has proven itself to be an important part of my social life. Without it, I am stuck at home, isolated from the rest of the world.

The program in Taiwan is relatively new, and not all cities have such services, but to think that India is just starting its very first specially-fitted taxi caught me off-guard. I am excited for the people because I know what kind of changes that will mean in disabled people's lives. I encourage them to promote and expand the service throughout the city and into other parts of India. It's a worthy cause.

It's a complex feeling to know that you are very fortunate even though you have a severe form of physical disability. I realized today how lucky I am and how much good there is that needs to be done. Let's make a difference today.

ARTICLES:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5293366.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2795603.stm