Para Transpo scaled back as of Sunday
Reduced Para Transpo services this summer will hinder the ability of disabled transit users to live their lives, a group of residents with disabilities said yesterday.
Starting Sunday, OC Transpo’s scaled back summer schedules, including those for Para Transpo, come into effect. For people with disabilities, Para Transpo is a lifeline that can’t afford any other cutbacks since the service is already stretched, said Catherine Gardner, who organized a demonstration by transit users with disabilities who are concerned over reduced service.
“The cuts are just for the summer, but they can’t meet the demand now,” Gardner said. “We need our drivers on the road.”
Other protesters agreed. Sandy Hill resident Chris Binkowski said he took Para Transpo for years before switching to the regular transit system.
“It’s too awkward to use because of the wait,” said the 28-year-old. “You have to plan ahead.”
On the road with his wheelchair since May 5 for his Get Mobilized March to raise awareness of the lack of transit for people with disabilities, London resident Jeff Preston said Para Transpo in Ottawa is constantly overbooked.
And it’s not just Ottawa, said the 24-year-old, who suffers from a rare form of muscular dystrophy.
“The situation is the same everywhere. People with disabilities have fewer options when it comes to transportation.”
