Robert M. Werth, a leader in accessible transportation for more than three decades, has taken the helm of the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association (TLPA) as its new president.

Werth, a native of Falls Church, Va., is the founder/president of Diamond Transportation Services Inc., one of the largest wheelchair-accessible fleets in the mid-Atlantic region. He was sworn into office at the TLPA’s 95th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Boston in October 30.

Werth accepted a position as the GM of the Diamond Cab Companies of Arlington and Alexandria, Va., in 1980 and later became VP of both Diamond and Yellow Cab.

In 1984, Werth established his own company, Diamond Transportation, where he found his true career path serving persons with disabilities. Starting from a single vehicle, Diamond now consists of more than 130 vehicles with nearly 230 employees serving more than 300,000 passenger trips each year.

The TLPA presidency is a one-year term. Werth takes over following the presidency of William J. Rouse of L.A. Yellow Cab Co-Op in Los Angeles.