\nGroup wants service provided by TransLink or non-profit
![\"HRA](\"https:\/\/handydartriders.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/HRA-Mainstreeting-0012.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhen: Wednesday December 9, 10:30 am
\nWhat: HandyDART riders demonstrate and speak at TransLink Board meeting
\nWhere: 287 Nelson\u2019s Court New Westminster, near Sapperton SkyTrain Station<\/p>\n
The HandyDART Riders\u2019 Alliance says that faceless corporations can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrivate corporations always put profits above dignity and human rights, and they cost more. We are not packages; we want a real say in improving HandyDART,\u201d says Beth McKellar, HandyDART Riders\u2019 Alliance Co-coordinator. \u201cHandyDART must either be brought in-house as a TransLink subsidiary or turned over to a non-profit agency.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group is pushing for both more funding to meet the increased need for HandyDART service with an aging population, and a real say in how HandyDART is run.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople with disabilities must be involved in running and monitoring the system,\u201d says McKellar. \u201cWe need more service, and people with disabilities need to have a real impact on decision making.\u201d<\/p>\n
HandyDART service hours have been frozen in Metro Vancouver since 2009, and as a result trip denials went up over 600% before the US contractor changed procedures to disguise the crisis. A similar freeze on bus service has led to overcrowding, and made riding conventional transit less convenient and safe for seniors and people with disabilities. For safety, many people with disabilities and older seniors need door-to-door transit service provided by trained and experienced HandyDART drivers.<\/p>\n
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\nFor more information please contact:
\nBeth McKellar, HandyDART Riders\u2019 Alliance Co-coordinator 604 444 9289
\nwww.HandyDARTriders.ca<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 … Continue reading