Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
Barney Koneferenisi is on a mission to make transport easier for people with disabilities.
He is known to many as a member of the national wheelchair rugby team, the Wheel Blacks, and most recently donned the black and grey uniform at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics.
Now his focus has turned towards a business venture to create a rideshare service tailored to people with disabilities, following his own frustrations at the lack of accessible vans.
But first, Koneferenisi needs to raise $80,000 to get the project off the ground. On his givealittle page, he says it will ensure safety for the most vulnerable.
“For years we have stressed over the safety of ourselves, a friend or a loved one travelling with a complete stranger,” he says.
The service will take the form of a mobile app which will provide access to wheelchair and dog friendly vehicles. Female passengers will also have the option to select a female driver if they prefer.
“With accessible seating always being taken up on both trains and buses, to wheelchair users constantly being turned down rides and being taken advantage of, as well as high tech cameras being magically ‘broken’ when a female or individual lodges a complaint, shows how bad it really is.”
If he reaches his target, the money will be used to develop the app and purchase an accessible van from Germany equipped with a hoist and medical equipment.
“We know with all our combined experiences that by creating a service like this not only will it play a huge impact in a lot of people’s lives by giving them access to certain services they can’t get now, but it will also enable/unlock certain opportunities for a huge amount of individuals.”
Donate to Barney’s givealittle page here
