Driving a Culture of Universal Accessibility
Nurtured by SVhk from concept to execution, Diamond Cab
is Hong Kong’s first professional, barrier-free taxi service brand. To provide the highest
quality of service, Diamond Cab has specially installed wheelchair-accessible electric ramps
as well as professional taxi drivers who have received special training on serving
wheelchair users.
Social Problem
There are about 160,000 of people with physical disabilities and 900,000 elderly in
Hong Kong, of which over 100,000 are estimated to be wheelchair users. People with
disabilities in Hong Kong have few options for travelling around the city. Most
wheelchair users rely on makeshift vans with poor hygiene, no insurance protection
and, most importantly, are illegal.
The Solution
Barrier-Free Vehicles
Diamond Cabs are legally modified multi-purpose vehicles with an electric ramps
that allow users to ascend and alight without leaving their wheelchairs, mitigating
the risk of injury faced by wheelchair users during travel.
Drivers Professionally Trained to Serve Wheelchair Users
All Diamond Cab drivers have received training on taking care of wheelchair
users by professional elderly service providers.
Cross Sector Partnerships
Strategically uniting elderly homes and taxi operators, Diamond Cab has
succeeded in creating a sustainable taxi service for wheelchair users.
Social Impact
Providing a Safe Alternative for People with Disabilities
Creating a new option for affordable and accessible transportation for people with disabilities.
Diamond Cab is a truly convenient transportation tool for wheelchair users,
who are always immensely grateful and thankful to us. We are so happy to
share the joy of the wheelchair users every day!
– Mr Mak, Diamond Cab Driver
Nurturing a More Inclusive City
Arousing pubic awareness on the urgency of creating a barrier-free city for people with disabilities.
Statistics
Over 160 orders placed in first month
Diamond Cab launched with 5 taxis, and aims to expand to over 20 cabs by the end of 2011
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SVhk Engagement
- Creator and incubator of the social innovation
- Various teams of professional volunteers supporting the project at different stages
- Major shareholder with board control
- All round professional support
Meet the Social Entrepreneur
Doris' passion for barrier-free transport developed after her mother became permanently
disabled in 2007. She realized the inadequacy of accessible transport options for the disabled.
After three years building up Diamond Cab, Doris is now managing its operations and long-term strategy.
Doris is also the Executive Director of SVhk.
"SVhk not only provided me with the initial finances to start up my own venture, but also
the business expertise, networks and technical support which a new start-up dearly needs.
I am very grateful for SVhk’s professional and comprehensive support, which allowed me to
concentrate on using my innovation to groom Diamond Cab and deliver a distinctive case of venture philanthropy."
Learn more about Diamond Cab: www.diamondcab.com.hk
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Mr. Joseph Ngai
Partner, McKinsey & Co. H.K.
Director of Investment, SVhk
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Mr. Mason Wu
Partner, Prudence Investment Management
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Mr. Timothy Ma
Executive Director,
Senior Citizen Home Safety Association
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