White Rock Mayor and Medical Health Officer to speak
For immediate release – Friday March 6, 2015
Transit Referendum and HandyDART Public Forum.
Saturday March 7, 2015 11am to 1pm
White Rock Community Center – 15154 Russell Ave. White Rock BC
HandyDART Riders are inviting residents of White Rock and neighbouring communities to discuss the transit referendum on Saturday. The presentations and discussion will cover the entire plan that will go ahead if there is a Yes vote, with a special emphasis on benefits for seniors and people with disabilities.
Speakers will include White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin, Fraser Health Medical Health Officer Dr. Michelle Murti, and members of the HandyDART Riders Alliance and the Metro Vancouver Alliance. Provincial MLA’s are also expected to attend.
One of the main concerns to be discussed is that HandyDART service levels have been frozen for over five years – causing service deterioration so severe the BC Auditor General is considering an investigation.
“We are optimistic that we will win the referendum and get the 30% increase in HandyDART service in the mayors’ plan,” says HandyDART Riders’ Alliance spokesperson Beth McKellar. “After a five year service freeze we need a big increase in HandyDART vans soon. That 30% increase should come in the first five years.”
“Better HandyDART and conventional transit benefits everyone, but is particularly important for people with disabilities,” says Bet Tuason, a member of the Metro Vancouver Alliance transit working group. “I’m voting Yes, and asking my friends and family to vote yes too.”
Spokespeople and HandyDART riders will be available for interviews before and after the forum.
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For more information please contact:
Beth McKellar HandyDART Riders’ Alliance Co-coordinator 604 444 9289
Bob Chitrenky, President ATU Local 1724 778 229 2679
About the Organizations:
HandyDART Riders’ Alliance www.handydartriders.ca
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724 www.atu1724.com
Metro Vancouver Alliance www.metvanalliance.org