Curb Awarded Five-Year Renewal for Chicago's Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Program

City extends partnership following the program's 95-percent success rate and continued improvements in accessibility technology

NEW YORK, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Curb, North America's leading taxi solutions and ride-hailing app for licensed taxis and for-hire rides, today announced the City of Chicago has renewed its contract to continue operating the city's exclusive Centralized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxicab Dispatch Service. The contract began March 1, 2025, with a two-year term and three optional renewals.

Curb has managed this program since 2020, working with the city to consolidate access to WAV taxis through its digital platform and call-in service. Over the past four years, it has grown into one of the strongest WAV initiatives in the country, achieving a 95-percent trip completion rate.

"Chicago has built one of the most effective WAV programs in the country by making accessibility a priority," said Amos Tamam, CEO of Curb. "Since 2020, we've worked closely with the city and taxi drivers to make sure WAV service is reliable and efficient. This renewal allows us to continue improving the program and supporting the riders who depend on it every day."

Since the original contract was signed, Curb has introduced several updates to improve service for both passengers and drivers. An automated phone system now helps passengers request rides more efficiently while maintaining access to live agents. For drivers, Curb worked with the O'Hare International Airport to transition to a QR code-based voucher system, eliminating the need for paper vouchers and streamlining airport entry.

More than 400 drivers participate in the program, alongside nearly 3,000 others Curb works with in Chicago, creating additional income opportunities.

"Chicago is proud to be a leader in offering accessible transportation options for residents and visitors," said Ivan Capifali, Acting Commissioner, Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection. "The selection of Curb to manage Chicago's Centralized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Taxicab Dispatch Service shows the city's commitment to providing dependable ways to get around the city. Curb continues to enhance dispatch technology, encourage driver participation and ensure passenger comfort."

Chicago is one of the largest cities in the country with a single-vendor WAV program. Curb also operates in 65+ other cities where similar infrastructure supports accessible transportation initiatives. Since launching Curb Flow in 2023, Curb's network volume has increased by 4x, further strengthening its ability to optimize dispatch and improve accessibility initiatives like WAV programs.

With the renewal, Curb will continue working with the city to improve the WAV program and ensure passengers receive reliable rides. WAV users can book through the Curb app or call the WAV line at 1-888-WAV-CABS (888-928-2227).

To learn more about Curb, visit gocurb.com.

About Curb 
Curb is reimagining urban mobility with a driver-first approach to ride-hailing. Bringing upfront pricing to the largest nationwide network of taxis and licensed for-hire vehicles, Curb provides unparalleled transparency to riders and drivers alike. Curb is connected to over 100,000 drivers in dozens of cities across the US and UK, powering millions of taxi rides worldwide and facilitating billions of dollars in payment transactions annually through its open mobility platform.

Curb has built an innovative suite of products that provide a unified supply of taxis and licensed for-hire vehicles - the first of its kind to bring solutions for passengers, drivers, and fleet management. Their B2B services power millions of rides for transit agencies, healthcare providers, and businesses while also providing effortless payments and advertising that reaches captive audiences of millions on Taxi TV.

Media Contact: 
Zak Hawke
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SOURCE Curb