Wheelchair-Accessible Taxis in Rio?

I’d love to travel down to Rio de Janeiro, and I’m hoping that because of the upcoming Olympic games that access will be improving down there. My main concern is accessible transportation. I use a power wheelchair and I cannot transfer to a regular car seat. Do they have any accessible taxis down there at all, or am I out of luck?

Gladly you are in luck! Accessible Fiat Doblo taxi vans are now available in Rio de Janeiro. These vans feature rear lifts, sturdy tie-downs and have room for one wheelchair-user and two able-bodied companions. And if you have a high profile wheelchair, you’ll be glad to know that they are designed with raised roofs and high windows, for a more comfortable ride. Best of all, they are available around the clock at regular taxi rates. For more information on this service, visit www.especialcooptaxirj.com.br/. I’m thrilled to see accessible transportation in Rio, and I hope it will expand as the Olympic and Paralympic games get closer.