GoBus program under scrutiny, could mean some users can't access service

The City of St. John's is taking a hard look at who uses the GoBus servicewhich may meansome of the current users will no longer be allowed to use the service.

Coun. Ian Froudesays a view ofthe eligibility of who can use the service is needed because the costs and number of riders have been growing.

In 2012, the city recorded about 65,000 rides per year. Now, that number is about 145,000, and each ride costs about $25, which is 90 per cent subsidized by the city.

"We have [a]growing demand, which means growing costs and we want to make sure that the service is available in the long term for those who need para transit in the city," Froude said.

He said there are also about 45 new applications from people who want to use the GoBus service every month.

A third-party organization will be tasked with the eligibility study of people seeking the service.

The City of St. John's spends $3.9 million onGoBus operating costs a year.

Won't be a 'cold cut off': Froude

Froude said if the changes are approved, there will be a transition period.

There won't be a "cold cut off" if a person who used to be able to use the GoBus service is no longer permitted.

Froude said there will be training and supports to help people, including pairing them a Metrobus user, where possible, to help them navigate that transit system.

The other issue that's being examined is how to reduce the number of no-shows.

"We have right now, Ithink, it's about 7,000 no-shows in the run of a year ... a bus or cab arrives on a scheduled trip and then the person is not there," he said.

Council will look at changing the definition of "no shows" from the current window of 90 minutes to 45 minutes,and collecting money from those absent users.

System flawed already, critic says

Dan Meades, a poverty advocate, said he's frustrated by the city's decisions in the last couple of years.

Council has "continued to use GoBus as an opportunity to try to gain revenue off the backs of vulnerable and poor people," Meades said.

"They did so againtoday, by making it not just tougher for people to qualify for GoBus,but actually tougher to access the services once they do."

Meades said the service is "substandard" to begin with, plagued by complaints oftardiness and unreliability. Issuing a new reassessment ofGoBususers, he added, simply wastes resources and disrespects those who have already gone through an application process.

"If you're concerned about people abusing this system, I don't think that should be a concern at all," he said.

"Anybody that had another option besides using GoBus, would."

'Not concerned' about the review

While Meades remains staunchly opposed to the review,the proposed changes arebeing cheered by one member of the city's inclusion advisory committee.

"The city has been very good at going out and talking to all stakeholders who are using this service," said Debbie Ryan, who also has an advocacy role at the CNIB Foundation.

"We're really happy that they are keeping us in the conversation ... I'm not concerned at all about what's happening."

Ryan believes any changes will be for the better.

"They want to make sure that nobody's left behind, that everybody that needs to avail of that service is able to availof that service," she added.

The recommendations will be discussed at a committee meeting on March 20 and will be voted on during a future city council meeting.

Read more articles from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador