Judge approves New York City wheelchair-accessible taxi deal

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A federal judge has formally approved a deal to make at least half of New York City's taxi fleet wheelchair-accessible by 2020.

The judge said the deal makes New York a better city.

The agreement settles a lawsuit brought by advocacy groups three years ago.

At that time, just 200 of the city's 13,000 yellow cabs were outfitted to accommodate wheelchairs.

Citing a historic baseball moment, Judge George Daniels approved the deal Tuesday. He said the plan to make taxis accessible to people with disabilities was one of the most significant acts of inclusion since baseball great Jackie Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Some wheelchair users said in a news release that accessible taxis will greatly improve their lives.