TransLink settles human rights complaint, commits to improving HandyDART service
Posted March 23, 2019 7:49 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – A human rights complaint lodged by people with disabilities against TransLink’s HandyDART service has ended in a settlement, and as part of the agreement TransLink has agreed to produce a yearly report, assessing performance.
Two years ago the HandyDART Riders’ Alliance launched the class action complaint with the BC Human Rights Tribunal, saying the service was substandard and discriminated against people with disabilities.
The original complaint said people were being denied access to transit because they are unable to use conventional transit without assistance.
It went on to say dignity, self-esteem and safety were compromised. One member said people felt imprisoned in their own homes as a result of this unjust treatment, and that others were isolated from their families and communities.
The Alliance said they filed the complaint in order to improve the quality of service and increase service hours.
Beth McKellar, the Alliance’s co-chair, is pleased with the settlement but says there is still work to be done.
“I must say the settlement agreement is just a small step forward.,” she says. “The HandyDART Riders Alliance, we’re hoping for a more constructive working relationship with TransLink, where they will listen.”
TransLink announced the joint settlement on March 22, and in addition to the yearly review, has also agreed to conduct research on customer experience and it will also look into approving a HandyDART users group.
TransLink also points out it is in the midst of a 15 per cent increase in HandyDART service hours.
McKellar says while the settlement is a positive step, there are plenty of issues with the service that still need to be resolved.
“It doesn’t end the crisis for the HandyDART riders, because people are still confined in their homes because of the inadequate service, and demand is soaring as the population of older seniors grows.”
HandyDART provides an average of 5,000 rides a day.
