Posted on the 1st October 2026 in PHTM News

DUMFRIES WHEELCHAIR USER HIT BY SEVERE SHORTAGE OF ACCESSIBLE TAXIS

A disabled resident in Dumfries is speaking out about a severe shortage of accessible transport, revealing that just one wheelchair-accessible taxi is available to take her anywhere in the region.

Janice Johnstone, who relies on a wheelchair full-time, explained that spontaneous trips are impossible because she must book her transport days in advance.

"You can't do anything on the spur of the moment - not at all," she said, adding that the sole accessible driver she can use works part-time and does not cover late evenings, preventing her from attending concerts, theatre shows, funerals, or family functions on his days off.

Dumfries and Galloway Council confirmed that only three wheelchair-accessible taxis and private hire vehicles cover the entire region and its population of roughly 150,000, representing less than two per cent of the total fleet of 185 licensed taxis and 60 private hire vehicles.

This falls far short of Transport Scotland recommendations, which suggest at least twenty per cent of licensed taxis should be wheelchair-accessible.

Local operators cite high expenses as the primary hurdle. Stuart Frew, of United Taxis, said: "I'd love to be able to have one on the road but the cost to purchase is very expensive, then there are the running costs for it also. Even to purchase a used one is expensive."

He added: "If I could, I'd have one running as it's frustrating knowing how many people require such and we can't provide just now."

To tackle the shortage, Dumfries and Galloway Council's enabling and customer services committee agreed in March to introduce a new licensing zoning system and reduced fees for operators.

A council spokesperson stated: "The committee recognised that the cost of purchasing and operating wheelchair accessible vehicles can be a barrier.

"The new licensing arrangements have been developed to help encourage greater provision and create additional opportunities for operators wishing to enter the market."

Until more vehicles become available, Ms Johnstone must continue planning every journey well ahead of time.

Reflecting on the impact of the lack of transport, she said: "You would just have a bit of independence and a bit of life because otherwise you're stuck indoors all the time. Mentally it's good to go out and do things."


Read another story