To keep service costs under control, beginning in December Hampton Roads Transit will utilize taxicabs about 40 percent of the time to pickup its Handi-Ride curb-to-curb service for disabled people. HRT has reviewed and changed its contract with MV Transportation to allow the less 
expensive cabs for those who are ambulatory and do not need extra assistance. Most of the cabs will be used mostly at night and on weekends. HRT officials claim the changes will reduce costs by about $500,000 a year, or $1.25 million for the remainder of the contract with MV. According to The Virginian-Pilot, Handi-Ride services more than 1,000 people per day. Cost for the service has increased from $6.6 million to about $8.5 million yearly.
Customers may experience longer trip times because the maximum ride time from 60 to 90 minutes to allow MV to tote more passengers per trip. A few critics say that although disabled customers may be able to get into cabs without difficulty, some may have challenges getting out at their destination.