Para-transit users need responsive service, disability advocate groups say

Commuters on para-transit buses around St. John's should have more flexibility for last-minute rides, two disability advocate groups say

After the City of St. John's moved recently tounite and expand accessible transportation services within the Metrobus organization, two groups said one goal should be to build a responsive system, where people can be moved on-demandthrough the city.

• City of St. John's moving para-transit under operation of Metrobus

"Emergencies happen,youneed to get places that you don't know of the day before,"Emily Christy, the head of the Coalition for Persons with Disabilities, said Wednesday.

"We [should]work towards something that streamlines the system more effectively."

No same-day guarantee

GoBusriders make door-to-door trips with custom departure and arrival points, but they are asked to book their plans at least 24 hours in advance.

Users can request a same-day booking, but there's no guarantee it will be available.

A lot can happen in 24 hours.- Joby Fleming

"A lot can happen in 24 hours," said JobyFleming, an employee at disability resource centre Empower NL.

Fleming helps lead an advocacy group of riders on the para-transit system, whichmeets with transit officials frequently

"One of the things we're looking at with the city is really asking for and advocating for some exemptions to that24-hour rule for things like emergencies,interviews," he said.

Big load on a small system

Operation of the area's GoBus system is contracted out to MVT Canadian Bus, which operates a similar service in Vancouver.

The management of the contract recently moved from St. John's city councilto the group that runs Metrobus.

According to Judy Powell, general manager of Metrobus, there won't be any big service changes even if she knows some users want changes to come.

"We realize the limitations in the system," she says. "But right now, because of the demand, it's difficult...to be able to schedule last-minute rides."

GoBus currently operates with an 18-vehicle fleet.

Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworthaddedthe 24-hour notice is needed since GoBus doesn't travel on fixed routes. The operators need to figure out how to best move through the region to accommodate all their daily requests.

Expanding options

Ellsworth said that the city is adding options for para-transit riders with last-minute demands.

Metrobus has just added accessible buses to a fifth route, and the city provides some funding for accessible taxis.

• Metrobus becomes more accessible

The additions have made a difference for RandyHawkins, a public-sector employee who says he relies on a powerchair to get to the Metrobus stops.

"That has drasticallyincreased the quality of my life choices," he said. "By using those five routes, we can get access to basically all of the city."

Fleming says his group still wants Metrobus to add some flexibility to the GoBusline, and he says the city is listening closely.

Powell addedthe service is constantly looking for ways to improve.

"When there's opportunities to make that improvement that's something that we will certainly be doing."