Getting around, is becoming more and more difficult as governments continue to practice "restraint" in budgeting for services. This is most evident when it comes to maintaining and improving the public bus system.
The only part of TransLink's mandate that has expanded is roads and bridges, and to the tune of billions of dollars. In contrast, custom transportation is being cut for those with physical and cognitive difficulties who cannot use the regular transit system.
To deal with these "financial challenges," TransLink has done a Custom Transit Service Review in which they point out they are making savings and, since 2010, "achieving maintenance efficiencies by retiring and not replacing buses and HandyDART vehicles."
TransLink has held two public consultations on their proposals to improve efficiencies while recognizing a growing demand as the Metro population increases and ages.
During the overview of the system there was lively discussion on the quality and quantity of service now being provided. There was general concern over a growing number of denials. This is no surprise as there were 37,000 HandyDART service denials in 2012, double the number in 2011 and over seven times the trip denials in 2008.
In April, TransLink cut HandyDART bus trips and replaced them with taxi service (same fee). They believed taxis were cheaper and would allow for 7,000 more rides for the same cost. While there is no report on cost savings, ride denials keep increasing while HandyDART buses were cut.
Discussion amongst riders confirmed that the HandyDART buses with dedicated drivers were preferred over taxis. Reasons given were many - a door-to-door service was replaced by a curb-to-curb service; constant turnover of taxi drivers, lack of training, safety, wheelchairs not properly tied down, dropping off without needed supervision. However, faced with no ride, the taxi is a welcome substitute.
Parent Support Group for Families of Mentally Handicapped Adults Society described the problems when taxis are substituted for HandyDART drivers:
"My son, G, is non-verbal.When a cab for him and the driver tried to find out from him where he lives, it drew a blank. HandyDART bus drivers are trained and familiar with G's unique needs and provide a safe and relaxed ride for him.
"After an hour-and-a-half the cab had still not arrived. This meant the staff person could not go home and my son was very upset. I definitely told HandyDART that a taxi would not work for my son, but my request was ignored."
Taxi drivers are under financial and time pressure. They are paid a percentage of the fares they collect and have to pay their expenses from this income. They need to maximize the income by quickly moving on to collect their next fare; it is not surprising that customers that take extra time are a problem.
Custom transit includes a popular taxi service that allows a registered rider to purchase taxi saver tickets and pay one-half the fare.
At the October public consultation TransLink introduced strategies to address challenges. One strategy is to support a "suite of services" that blends together transportation options by coordinating with other providers in the region. Another is to improve the current HandyDART registration process. They produced a sample of a registration process that drew some strong criticism. The sample process was described as invasive and unfair and would eliminate 20 to 50 per cent of the frailest users from applying.
It is clear that TransLink is facing some difficult choices, but is it really going to save tax dollars by cutting services that provide many health benefits by allowing people with physical or cognitive disabilities to participate in society and relieve their caregivers. Is it fair?
Elsie Dean is a longtime Burnaby resident and a founding member of Voices of Burnaby Seniors.
