Scott's Taxi will be adding its first wheelchair-accessible minivan to its fleet in July, manager Tina Smith said Tuesday.

The service will be available 24 hours a day, and will operate as a standard taxi service using a minivan fitted with wheelchair accessible features and two regular seats, Smith said.

"Most of the transport services in the area for people who use medical equipment keep banker's hours," said Smith. "Things close down at 5 o'clock and only open again at 8 or 9 - unfortunately that's not how the world works."

Smith said the owner, Scott Dimberg, had discussed the idea of adding a special-use vehicle for about two years but was deterred by the expense. Now the time seemed right, Smith said.

"We've been averaging about one call per day for a couple of years," Smith said about prospective clients looking for a taxi that can accommodate a wheelchair.

Passengers must be ambulatory and alert, Smith said, distinguishing the taxi service from an ambulance or similar transport service.

The company is now paying a Spokane firm about $7,000 to fit a recently purchased pre-owned Toyota minivan with medically approved features which will allow passengers to remain seated in their own wheelchairs and scooters during the ride.

"I want to make our service available to anyone who needs it," Smith said, adding that the amenity will aid not only senior citizens or the long-term disabled, but also those with sports injuries.

Smith said she remembers feeling "trapped" when she broke an ankle two years ago. "Sometimes I like to go shopping at 2 a.m.," Smith said, "and anyone should be able to do that."

The cost for the specially fitted taxi will be about two or three dollars more than a regular cab ride.