London Transit Commission operates special transit services for disabled people. It is intended to make travel safer and more convenient for them but in reality, it is creating more problems than solving them. Julie Idsinga has been a frequent user of paratransit services and shares her experiences, “ It is affecting their ability to socialize within the community.
She talked about some of the major problems faced by paratransit users:
- Booking times: Usually they have to book rides over a phone call and the number opens from 7:00 a.m. And the ride must be booked 3 days in advance. Sooner or later is not permitted.
- Ride Frequencies: There are a limited number of rides available in a day and even if they are available usually the pickup and drop-off times are hours early than the scheduled time.
- Call Waitings: The waiting times are more than 2-3 hours and one has to keep redialing it again and again.
The current lack of infrastructure is the reason for these problems and people have to wait even for important medical appointments. Julie says she loves to talk to people, travel and volunteer within the community but the paratransit service is creating a barrier for her.
Julie is a member of the paratransit advocacy group and they advocate getting improvements in London Paratransit Service:
- Same-day bookings with an option to book online.
- Installation of the smart card reader on paratransit vehicles.
- Sensitivity training for paratransit drivers.
- Increased efficiency and decreased ride time.
- Increase in the number of rides and drivers.
The group expects the changes to be made faster and sooner. Regarding this, the group also had a meeting with board members of the London Paratransit Commission and the commission is set to present its findings on April 13.
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