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I am writing to express my frustration with the restrictive nature of the Access-A-Bus-service. This service is offered to persons with physical and intellectual disabilities who seek accessible transportation. My application for an extension for the Access-A-Bus service was initially denied on the grounds that I am “deemed able to utilize the conventional low-floor transit service with personal care attendant.” While it may be true that I use transit with the assistance of an attendant, on the occasion that an accessible bus is made available I still require the door-to-door service of Access-A-Bus—especially during the winter months when the sidewalks to the closest bus stop are impossible to reach.
As a woman with cerebral palsy I found this denial of this city’s support and services to be a limitation on my independence. Just over half of Halifax Transit’s bus routes have accessible services. The rest of the routes cannot be relied on to provide the service I need for appointments if the bus that happens to arrive is not accessible. These odds limit my ability to access resources and opportunities in the city.
An example of this was last Monday: I had to wait in the rain and snow while two inaccessible buses passed by. Being out in the damp cold for that long can affect my breathing, and I am subscribed a puffer for this reason.
The current weather is a huge hindrance on my ability to get out into the community. During the wintertime, due to snow and ice, it has proven to be very difficult, or impossible, for me to get to the bus stops safely. Like everyone else, I need transportation to attend appointments, events and leisure activities. This requires multiple accessible bus routes. Where I choose to go should not be limited because I am in a wheelchair.
The final reason I was deemed not eligible was because I stated in my application that I play the sport boccia and sometimes need to bring sports equipment with me. However, I am aware that other manual wheelchair users with the assistance of an attendant are currently using the Access-A-Bus to carry groceries and other belongings with them. Isn’t this the exact point of the Access-A-Bus? For transportation and activities that would be impossible without this service? And yet, I was deemed ineligible.
I have called several numbers associated with the Access-A-Bus service, as well as sent multiple emails in an attempt to appeal the decision. I finally heard back this week and was granted my appeal, but I’ve found this process frustrating and disheartening. It is my right to have access to public places and a restriction on accessible transportation limits my ability to live independently. I simply wish to have the equal opportunity to move through this beautiful city.
I am hoping that my story and the untold stories of many other persons struggling to receive transportation services will help raise awareness on the need for a more inclusive and accessible city.
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This article appears in Feb 12-18, 2015.
Its winter…you live in Canada where winter is difficult for everyone…I feel sorry for the disabled, but its unreasonable to believe that sidewalks should be free of ice and snow when storms come so fast that normal cleanup takes days….
This article was not addressing the sidewalks or the weather, it was about the availability of the Access-a-bus service.
Our normal understanding of dealing with the issues surrounding icy and snow covered sidewalks PALES in comparison to the issues of dealing with them as someone with a disability, esp. if that disability effects your mobility.
She is not asking that the sidewalks be better cleared, she is asking that she be granted the service of Access-a-bus. Yes, that is due in part to the sidewalks, but also in part to the long wait times for an accessible transit bus.
It seems ridiculous to me that her application to Access-a-bus was denied and what solution would they have to her problem? I think they should attempt to get to the bust stop, wait for an accessible bus, all in the cold with laboured breathing & see how well they like it.
It seems like the rules for the Access a Bus are a bit fluid based on what this woman is saying. Clearly this needs to be addressed. I was led to believe this was a service for the disabled, if being in a wheelchair doesn’t qualify, I don’t know what does.
you are about to realize what blatant disregard feels like my friend; I was berated red-neck style by a Metro Transit inspector in the presence of another inspector and an operator, reported the video- and audio- recorded incident to senior management. Not enough decorum or respect to get an apology in return from MT but the belligerent inspector was subsequently appointed manager of AAB. In future I’ll save my breath to cool my soup.
And even if she WAS asking for better cleared sidewalks, I don’t think that’s too much to ask. Should someone be stuck at home for two weeks because the bobcats do a crappy job of dealing with curb cuts?
a) that is some fucked up shit
b) that ain’t right
c) fix it
The problem is that Halifax buys the wrong type of salt. Their salt only works at -5C or higher. I buy my salt at Rona. My salt melts the ice in my driveway and on the sidewalk front of the house.
I use the Access A Bus…I try to.All the drivers (with one glaring exception) are excellent.
Most people I know who use these buses call these buses “the inaccessability buses” for a wide variety of factual reasons.I have been told by Dave Boudreau(supervisor) that I am not allowed to take my medically prescribed rollator/walker on the “accessability” buses because according to him,”it’s not a mobility device,it’s a wheelbarrow”.
Really?!?!! He’s also said that I’m also not allowed to take my groceries home from the food bank on their buses.How else am I to get them home?!
Access A Bus needs a change in it’s higher up people.People who actually comprehend what it is like to try to live a “normal ” life when dealing with disabilities.
I’m fed up with being stranded,repeatedly.My day to day reality is hard enough all on it’s own.I do not need Access A Bus supervisors on a bullying power trip to make things even more untenable.
If they had to live day to day with the challenges that their passengers do…they’d make darn sure THEY would be able to bring much needed food home!