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Transportation: HandyDARTers call for help this election

East Richmond resident David Titley, who calls the Hamilton neighbourhood his home, is a kidney dialysis patient at New Westminster’s Royal Columbian Hospital.
handydart
David Titley was once again delayed for a health appointment on Wednesday when his HandyDART shuttle was late. Photo by Graeme Wood/Richmond News

East Richmond resident David Titley, who calls the Hamilton neighbourhood his home, is a kidney dialysis patient at New Westminster’s Royal Columbian Hospital.

As such he requires a HandyDART shuttle, a TransLink-funded door-to-door service for the disabled.

He is one of a growing number of people requiring the shuttle and funding for the service is waning, according to users, despite a recent boost.

“My main concern with HandyDART is the unreliability,” said Titley, who blames management and government funding for the frequent delays that result in his medical appointments being shortened.

Often (TransLink says 10 per cent of the time) the disabled are forced to use taxis (TransLink reimburses the cabbie), who don’t have the same training as HandyDART drivers.

This past winter was a difficult one for Titley, having had to wait numerous times in the cold for a late ride.

This election, HandyDART Riders’ Alliance points out that only the BC NDP mentions improved service in its platform (An additional five per cent annually, for four years, beyond what is planned). 

Alliance co-chair Beth McKellar said the Mayor’s Council transit plan (a 15 per cent increase in rides by 2019) doesn’t go far enough in addressing HandyDART needs. Furthermore, TransLink is “training” the disabled to use regular buses, which McKellar said will not go over well.

“We’re a slow moving crowd,” she said.

TransLink planner Sarah Ross agreed further expansion needs to be a priority, especially considering 67 per cent of HandyDART trips are for medical services.

Ross contends taxi use, while growing, is still relatively low compared to other cities. Furthermore, most people like taxis as it’s a direct single-occupancy trip, said Ross.

­— Graeme Wood