This image shows a gold handicapped-accessible taxi that resembles one of London's iconic black cabs. Forty of these taxis will hit the streets of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, in September. [Photo: cdwb.com.cn]

The first fleet of 40 specially adapted taxis for handicapped passengers will be put into use in Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, in September, the Chengdu Evening News reported.

The city's new handicapped-accessible cars resemble London's iconic black cabs. They have no seats on the front passenger side of the vehicles and can easily accommodate wheelchairs.

The taxis cost 220,000 yuan ($32,200) each and are equipped with standard GPS systems. Disabled people can order the taxis by phone.

The taxis will be permitted to carry regular passengers if drivers do not receive calls to transport handicapped ones, according to the city's traffic authorities.

Chengdu also ordered 760 new regular taxis besides the fleet of handicapped-accessible ones.

(CRI July 20, 2009)