Coral Gables Historical Archive
The Times
Saturday, September 18, 1976, page 4 (of 24)
The page
The text of this pageRead by computer from the scan, so some words may be wrong. The page picture is the original.
Dollar cab fare gives Gables man his 'freedom'
By ANA MARIA ALVAREZ Staff Writer A recently inaugurated $1 door-to-door taxi cab service has not only provided a means of transportation for James Bryan, but it has also given him the sense of freedom he has yearned for over the last several years. Bryan, who works for a banking firm in Coral Gables only a few blocks away from his small Gables apartment, has been confined to a wheelchair since he was afflicted with polio in the early 50s. Since moving to Coral Gables, Bryan, who lives alone, has had to pay $3.20 a day to get to and from work. He has done most of his shopping by mail because he had no way of getting to and from stores without paying the high price of regular taxi service. In addition, Bryan said he had to move to a higher rent area just so he could be near a grocery store. Since he started using the county-operated special taxi service for handicapped people two months ago, Bryan has been able to do his own shopping along Miracle Mile, go to the movies, visit friends, and attend J. Bryan church services. Under a six-month transportation demonstration program, three local taxi companies have been authorized to accept $1 prepaid vouchers issued to those using the service. Taxi drivers involved in the program have been specially rained to assist the users during their trips, and hydrualic lifts are provided for those who need them. "Most handicapped people are independent, like me," Bryan said. "But you are restricted and confined when you can't get places. "This service is the best thing that could happen to us and the community as well. Just because you are in a wheelchair doesn't mean you don't want to live." Bryan does have one complaint about the service, and that is not enough people know about it. "It isn't because the handicapped people don't want it, they just don't know about it, and don't know how good it is," The taxi or van rides are available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to midnight and the potential user can request a physically handicapped application from the Dade County Transportation Office at 579-2594, or the South Dade Citizens' Information Office, 233-7941, or the West Dade Citizens' Information Office at 264-9041.
Times Guide
Florida's Best Suburban Newspaper Serving Coral Gables and South Dade Since 1926 Published Wednesday and Saturday Gables Publishing Co. 4627 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, Fla. 33146 (305) 666-7981 Price: 10 cents per issue, home delivered; $12.50 per year by mail anywhere in the United States. Application to mail at controlled circulation rates is pending at Miami, Fla. Jim Storey General Manager Bea Moss Managing Editor
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