Taxi Saver programs in BC give eligible riders 50 percent off taxi fares, paid for with coupons or a prepaid card that the local transit authority issues. The program is tied to HandyDART eligibility, so it is aimed at people whose disability makes regular transit hard to use without help.
How the programs work
The province describes Taxi Saver as a 50 percent saving on taxi fares. In Metro Vancouver, TransLink runs it for people who hold a HandyCard. In other parts of BC, BC Transit runs it for people who are eligible for HandyDART in their community. Participating taxi companies accept the coupons or card as payment, and you pay the other half of the fare yourself.
Each region sets its own details, such as how much you can buy in a month, which taxi companies take part and how coupons are sold. Because these details change, confirm them with TransLink or BC Transit before you plan around the program.
Who qualifies
In Metro Vancouver, you need a HandyCard. In BC Transit communities, you need to be eligible for HandyDART. Both are based on a disability that prevents you from using conventional transit without assistance, not on age or income alone. Seniors who do not have a qualifying disability, and people who only receive income assistance, should not assume they qualify. Ask the transit agency in your area what proof it asks for.
How to apply and buy
- Find out which agency covers your community. TransLink handles Metro Vancouver, and BC Transit handles most other regions, including Vancouver Island.
- Apply for the HandyCard or HandyDART registration. This usually involves an application form and a statement about your mobility needs, sometimes with input from a health professional.
- Once you are registered, buy Taxi Saver coupons. In Metro Vancouver, the province lists purchase by mail or at the Compass Customer Service office. BC Transit regions post the process on the HandyDART page of their local website.
- Show your card or coupons to the driver when you pay, and tell the dispatcher when you book that you will be using Taxi Saver, so the company can confirm it accepts them.
Processing times are not fixed, so apply well before you need the service. Keep copies of what you submit, and note any renewal dates. If you have questions about your eligibility, call the transit agency directly. For general fare information on local rides, see the fare guide.