A COUNTY taxi company has apologised after a disabled man was dropped off at the wrong venue.

Steven McKenzie, who has Down’s Syndrome and autism, and struggles to communicate, was dropped off more than two miles away from the venue for Teens Plus – a service for young adults with complex communication needs.

Last week, the 21-year-old from Tranent was dropped off by an AC Taxi’s driver at Inch Community Centre, the former venue, rather than at its new home, on Ravenscroft Street.

Robert Campbell, a partner at AC Taxi’s, told the Courier: “We took him there three times a week, and nine times out of 10 it was the same driver. On that day, though, it was a different driver, and we’ve just had a new [booking] system put in.

“Where Steven was dropped off was not a totally random place – it was the former venue for his class and the last time that driver [on the day of the incident] took him, he’d have taken him there [Inch Community Centre].

“The driver dropped him off at the door, as it was normal practice for him to walk in.

“As soon as we realised that he was in the wrong place, the driver was sent back to get him but someone from Teens Plus had already picked him up.”

Mr Campbell confirmed the company was contacted by Mr McKenzie’s mum immediately after the incident, but that they had phoned to apologise.

He added: “She phoned us first, before we had a chance to make sure Steven was alright.

“After we realised what had happened, our absolute priority was making sure Steven was safe.

“We did phone and apologise, though.”

A spokeswoman for the local authority confirmed to the Courier that the contract with AC Taxi’s had been cancelled. She said: “As soon as we were alerted about this, we took immediate steps to investigate the incident.

“As a result, we have cancelled the current contract for transporting the young person to Teens Plus.

“Colleagues in social work and transportation are currently reviewing procedures – the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable service-users is paramount.”

She added: “Training is provided for taxi firms, focusing on understanding and supporting people who have learning or physical disabilities. This has been well-attended and well-received over a number of years.”