A dedicated taxi service for the disabled could be on the way if its backers can raise BD100,000 ($265,211) they need to get it off the ground.

It is the brainchild of Bahrain Mobility International (BMI), which has already launched a first-of-its kind wheelchair repair service.

The organisation is now seeking backers for its subsidised taxi project, which would also cater to the country's blind.

It is now seeking sponsors to help it buy seven buses and cars, as well as pay salaries and other overheads.

"The disabled are really suffering because they don't have transport," said BMI vice-president Adel Sultan.

"If they get a job and can't drive they need to employ someone, so this service will make it easy for them.

"It is difficult for them to go in regular taxis so we will have specialised buses for wheelchair users."

He said the service would initially be aimed at those needing transport to work and hospital appointments, but in future could be extended into a 24-hour taxi service for the disabled.

"All this is a dream that is now coming into reality," said Sultan.

"Since we started the golf tournament fundraiser three years ago we have been able to provide our services without struggling like before and this has given us the chance to think about other needs and services for the disabled.

"So for the first time we are now making a planning and development section in BMI."

Wheelchair workshop

Among the projects that BMI hopes will make a difference to Bahrain's disabled is the wheelchair repair workshop, located at its premises in Isa Town.

Thousands of disabled people across the country are expected to benefit from the new venture, which is the first of its kind in the country.

The workshop also repairs motorised beds and has been made possible thanks to donations of BD7,000 from the Social Development Ministry and BD3,000 from the Bahrain Round Table.

The donations cover equipment, stock, running costs and salaries of a technician and a supervisor for one year, but it is expected to cost about BD5,000 to run the workshop annually.

Customers will be provided with a hired wheelchair while they are waiting and workshop staff can also give advice on buying and using a wheelchair.

Sultan said the disabled and the elderly had been struggling for years because there wasn't a suitable wheelchair repair facility in Bahrain.

"They go to the shop they bought the wheelchair from and the trader doesn't have the parts and doesn't care about repairing it because it will not profit him much," he said.

"They are forced to go to a bicycle shop, but most companies don't supply parts - especially for powered wheelchairs.

"But now they can come to our workshop and we will only charge them the cost of the parts."

He said BMI had been working on the repair facility project for three years and was happy it was finally up and running.-TradeArabia News Service