The past two months have been productive for Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods. We have continued to speak with representatives from Translink concerning the need to improve accessible transit in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. We have received confirmation from various bus drivers that a system wide bulletin was put up that advised drivers that if they cannot load a person with a mobility device due to lift not operating then the driver is to:
- Get the name of the person
- Where they are going
- Call the operations center to advise of the person's current location so that an accessible taxi can be called
While this is not a permanent fix to the aging fleet that are intermittently inaccessible, it is a start, and a sign that Translink is taking the concerns of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents seriously.
CAN has been invited to a presentation on Thursday, November 27th, regarding the Evergreen line (the Skytrain route to Coquitlam). After the presentation we will meet with John Timms from Coast Mountain Bus Company and Rob Sleath, president of ComPACT (Committee to Promote Accessible Conventional Transit), the accessibility committee that has had the longest working relationship with Translink. We will discuss with Mr. Sleath the concerns of residents in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. ComPACT worked with Translink to create a guide entitled "Getting Around Greater Vancouver on Accessible Transit." While this guide is useful for residents of Vancouver, and some outer lying areas, it doesn’t include information regarding shuttle buses. Information regarding the proper procedure for boarding shuttle buses is important for anyone outside the main cities (Richmond, Burnaby, Vancouver, New Westminster). We hope to encourage ComPACT to consider all of Greater Vancouver, and all the various services offered, when working with Translink. We will have an update regarding this meeting in the next newsletter.
In addition to talking with Translink we have some new people interested in the issue who are brainstorming ways to improve accessible transit in our two communities. We look forward to continuing to work with the various committees, people, and representatives from Translink, to find a way to improve the accessibility of our transit, as well as improving communication between Translink and their customers.
During October Citizens for Accessible Neighbourhoods consulted with Translink and Aplin & Martin Consultants, the consulting firm that is creating the design for the Maple Ridge bus loop. We held a meeting in which CAN reviewed the current blueprints for the bus loop. We offered suggestions and alterations to the plans to make it safer and more comfortable for all users. The suggestions were understood and followed up with additional questions and confirmations. Translink and Aplin & Martin Consultants are serious about making the loop usable for all people. They hope to incorporate CAN’s suggestions in the design, as long as current bylaws allow it.
The consulting firm will follow up with both CAN and the municipal accessibility committee in January. The bus loop is expected to be finished by the end of 2007.
The adaptive sports program has seen some changes since our last meeting. Power Soccer has moved to Port Coquitlam so that there is access to more players. Our Maple Ridge players have expressed interest in continuing in Port Coquitlam as there will be a larger pool of players. A physiotherapist is working to get the team going through her clients and various contacts.
Adaptive Boccia has been moved to the Seniors' Centre with the understanding that any player under 55 is allowed to practice there. The centre is completely accessible, a central location for Maple Ridge players, and has a large base of members who are interested in playing.
CAN is glad to know that the adaptive sports program is continuing in ways that will promote the sports, and which will make the sports available to more players.
CAN thanks those who attended our meeting, and those who were unable to attend but offered their support and ideas by phone or e-mail.
We hope to see you on January 15th, 2007 in the Alouette Room at the Maple Ridge Library from 7:00 - 8:00 PM, or hear from you by e-mail at info@canbc.org or telephone (604-437-7331) prior to our meeting.
Remember together we CAN!
