Accessible Dispatch continues to grow, in large part due to the excellent service provided by our wheelchair accessible vehicle drivers. Accessible Dispatch would like to congratulate our first ever Driver of the Month Baris Kaynaroglu, for July 2019. We spoke to Baris about what makes the Accessible Dispatch program stand out to him, and his experience taking wheelchair accessible trips.
How long have you been a licensed TLC driver? Do you drive a yellow or green taxi?
I have been driving a yellow cab since 2016.
What do you like best about being a taxi driver in general?
I was recently blessed with a baby girl and my wife goes to school, so being a taxi driver makes it easy for me to make my own schedule. Plus, if you work hard, you make more money for yourself and not for someone else.
When did you take your first Accessible Dispatch trip?
I took my first Accessible Dispatch trip in 2017.
What do you like best about Accessible Dispatch?
First of all, I like helping people who use wheelchairs. Besides, the bad thing about other programs is, if the passenger cancels or doesn’t show up, we don’t get anything. It is no money and your time is wasted, but the good thing about Accessible Dispatch is that I am sure I won’t waste my time, I can earn good money, and I can help people as well. When I am out of Manhattan and I drop passengers to other boroughs, it is difficult to get ride on the way back, but with Accessible Dispatch, I get rides from other boroughs as well and I get to make extra money.
How did you learn how to use the ramp and securement equipment in your vehicle?
When I was getting my license, I took three days of classes at LaGuardia Community College. After the three-day training, they also asked me to take wheelchair securement training.
What do you think other drivers should know about the Accessible Dispatch program?
Other drivers, especially green cab drivers, should definitely take Accessible Dispatch trips. They can get more money and they can help the people.
Accessible Dispatch is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities and our driver community. Our driver incentive programs apply to all TLC-licensed drivers who accept Accessible Dispatch trips. If you have more questions about driver benefits or want to know about our program, click here.
Congratulations Baris, and thank you for your hard work and dedication to serving Accessible Dispatch passengers!