Category Archives: Uncategorized

2016 was a momentous year for the HandyDART Riders’ Alliance, and 2017 is shaping up to be just as busy and important. We have achieved a lot, and with your help can achieve a lot more.

The HRA has been working for years to get regular annual increases in HandyDART service. And now we have been promised increases in 2017, 2018 & 2019. This is much better than the situation since 2009, and sets the stage for further increases in future years.

Before thinking about the year to come, it seems like time to take a look back. In 2008, the Provincial Liberals unveiled a grandiose pre-election transit plan. It had something for everyone, and a price tag of $14 billion dollars. The provincial Liberals were re-elected in 2009. And they quickly reneged on their transit promises and started cutting back on Transit service, including HandyDART.

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Media Release: HandyDART Riders’ Alliance

Transit Plan Approval Crucial for HandyDART Riders
Mayor’s Council Phase One Plan marks return to regular HandyDART service increases

The HandyDART Riders’ Alliance is urging all the mayors on the TransLink Mayor’s Council to approve their Phase One transit funding plan this month. Members of the group will attend the Mayors Council meeting on November 10th to make their case in person. Continue reading →

Tim Louis speaks to media

HandyDART Riders Celebrate Positive Steps at TransLink
Group eager to work with TransLink to improve HandyDART service

The HandyDART Riders’ Alliance says they are very pleased with the significant commitments made by TransLink’s CEO Kevin Desmond at today’s board meeting. Continue reading →

[Updated Monday June 20 – Good news & speaking time change]

HandyDART riders made a big impression at the last two TransLink board meetings, and we expect to hear some good news at the next one. Please join us there to show your support for what we hope will be a significant step in the right direction. Continue reading →

HandyDART riders made a big impression at the December TransLink board meeting, and we need to do it again! After that meeting the TransLink board chair told the Vancouver Sun “We had an offer to work with these folks more and we want to do that. We will consider (taking HandyDart) in-house.”

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Media Release

For immediate release

HandyDART riders say ditch US corporation for savings and better service:
Group wants service provided by TransLink or non-profit

When: Wednesday December 9, 10:30 am
What: HandyDART riders demonstrate and speak at TransLink Board meeting
Where: 287 Nelson’s Court New Westminster, near Sapperton SkyTrain Station

The HandyDART Riders’ Alliance says that faceless corporations can’t respect the rights of people with disabilities, and are demanding that HandyDART service be run by a public or non-profit organization. At the open TransLink board meeting on Wednesday December 9, the group will propose terminating the contract with the present US-based contractor when it expires in 2017. Continue reading →

Media Release

HandyDART Riders’ Alliance

For immediate release –Thursday July 2nd, 2015

HandyDART riders say No vote in transit referendum threatens right to mobility

The HandyDART Riders’ Alliance says with the No vote there is now a danger that people with disabilities and older seniors will again be isolated in their homes or in institutions as they were in the past, just as the first baby boomers enter their 70s. Continue reading →

The HandyDART Riders’ Alliance will continue to campaign for more HandyDART service provided by dedicated professionals after the referendum regardless of the outcome. We will also work to get an elected and accountable TransLink board again. A Yes vote is not the end; it is just a start in the right direction!

In this Newsletter:   1) Have you Voted Yet?   2) Leafletting Sat. May 23   3) HRA in the News   4) Are your friends getting these updates? Continue reading →

Please join us on Saturday May 23 from 11 am to 1pm in front of the Broadway-City Hall Canada Line Station (Broadway and Cambie) in Vancouver. Many people won’t vote until the last minute, so we are going to be reaching out to the public again. And we need your help! Just look for the bright yellow signs. Continue reading →