Getting to a business meeting, the mall, a Seahawks game or even to a restaurant for a date with his wife, Emily, often means a long bus ride for Michael Rogers of Kenmore, and for many other wheelchair users in the Seattle area.

Not so in Portland, where at least two taxicab companies offer wheelchair-accessible cabs. While visiting there, Rogers and his wife, who both have cerebral palsy, enjoyed something many able-bodied people take for granted: the ability to be spontaneous and not live life according to a timetable.

The trip spurred him to begin lobbying the Metropolitan King County Council last year to bring accessible cabs here. And to his delight, the council this week unanimously approved a new wheelchair-accessible taxi demonstration project to begin in the spring.

"I look forward to taking Emily on a date without having to wonder what time it is on a bus schedule," Rogers said. "It's like now we're in control instead of some clock."

Under the pilot project, which could last up to two years, King County will issue eight temporary taxi licenses to selected drivers and loan out eight low-floor minivans. The accessible taxis will operate daily, charge the same rates as other cabs, and will pick up anyone, though users of wheelchairs, some electric scooters and other mobility aids have top priority. More than $140,000 in state grants will fund the project.

"People who are confined to wheelchairs don't have a lot of transportation options, especially if they live out in areas that don't have plentiful bus service," said Councilwoman Carolyn Edmonds, a sponsor of the legislation.

Alternatives aren't as flexible. King County Metro buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts, but their routes can't reach everyone. The county's ACCESS paratransit program offers door-to-door or curb-to-curb service, but users must make a reservation one to three day ahead.

Private ambulances are out of many peoples' price range, Rogers said. And not everyone can afford a specially-equipped van or rely on friends and family members to drive them where they need to go.

For out-of-town visitors in wheelchairs, accessible taxis relieve the need to learn a new bus system to reach tourist attractions or business meetings.

In November, the council will establish performance measures to judge the project's success and the long-term viability of accessible cabs. Similar service already exists in several other parts of the country, including San Diego, Las Vegas and Boston.

Karen Gaudette: 206-515-5618