Transit commission eyes expanding Para Transpo eligibility
Posted Jun 27, 2016 06:45:22 AM.
Last Updated Jun 28, 2016 04:29:30 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
OTTAWA — A proposal to offer the capital’s transit service for the disabled to more people than only those with physical disabilities goes before the city’s transit commission, today.
A report by city staff recommends allowing people whose mental health and developmental disorders make it difficult or impossible for them to use regular transit to use Para Transpo.
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Para Transpo may expand eligibility
The city staff report says the changes could be made within existing capacity and budget. Staff say any increased demand from those new riders would be partially offset by higher-capacity Para Transpo minibuses and a new contract with taxis.
The staff report also recommends the city contract healthcare professionals to review all Para Transpo applications, in-person, then, re-assess those customers every three years. The additional costs of this, staff say, could be managed within OC Transpo’s current budget.
During public consultations, 72 per cent of respondents to a questionnaire indicated they agreed with including more riders, who have developmental and mental health disabilities, on Para Transpo service.
