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The recent trip this writer made to the city of Vancouver in early may to assess the accessibility and transportation model was a eye opening experience. Firstly I have to start at the beginning here in Regina, the city has a long term infrastructure plan that is not working to repair the necessary streets and sidewalks that need to be repaired. The sidewalks are cracked / broken. The curb cuts do not address all the specific needs of all pedestrians within the city and the suburbs to the northwest and east along Victoria Avenue. The curb cuts are broken, need serious repair in several areas of the city and others need to be placed for pedestrian traffic. The individuals I have spoken with here in the city have voiced strong opinions as to what these issues are and needed to be resolved. A thorough infrastructure plan where all departments work together to create a structure and a solid plan for all. Some of the individuals I had interviewed are a broad cross section of citizens. Some were mothers with new born strolling, others were seniors and then individuals with various physical challenges as well as young kids with skateboards.

Most of the sidewalks need to be repaired and or replaced. The curb cuts are either to sharp or broken at street level and they need to be repaired and or replaced. For example, on the east end the sidewalks are non existent and there are no curb cuts to allow for pedestrian traffic. A strong example of this is when waking south on Prince of Whales, east side of the street there is no sidewalk and you have to walk or ride (wheelchair) against traffic. This is a serious safety issue and a definite hazard to all. Some of the overall resolutions were to create a strong plan where city planners, agencies, engineers, council personnel work as one. A comprehensive plan can be worked were the entire city sidewalks, curb cuts and snow removal can be addressed and looked after. The state of these curb cuts in some areas of the city are a absolute hazard to get to and are a major issue for all. For the most part the city has provided proper parking for individuals specifically with disabilities in the city to access and are able to park. However, the plan needs to be expanded to include private property where that must be enforced to allow this to be all accessible for individuals with disabilities. There are several areas in the city that do not enforce disabled parking and they refuse to. As this writer knows to well they are just there to make money and they are really not in the interest in making the lots fully inclusive and patrolled and enforced.

When this writer arrived in Vancouver for her 10 day tour of the city, she encountered a very ordinary city with the hustle and bustle of everyday existence. I noticed and made note of the curbs and curb cuts at first glance. There didn’t seem to be a problem with them, all marked with stripes to indicate pedestrian crossing and lights. Here in Regina, city intersections are not properly marked with lines to indicate. I also noticed that in some of the privately owned lots and stores they were patrolled and looked after with ticket issuers. The writer noticed as well that it seemed that everyone was more in tuned to assisting everyone and those they seemed generally concerned with making changes or notes to make those changes at committee meeting or council sessions. The curbs in Vancouver and surrounding areas are well maintained. This writer had the opportunity to chat to a few city workers that were repairing a sidewalk to a major intersection, where curb cuts needed to be. They work to achieve a specific goal and that is to fix it in less than a week (in most cases). The pedestrian traffic is far more concentrated than here in small town or city Saskatchewan. However, this is where the “work as a team” plan comes into play. All inclusive in the planning and execution of repairs on roads and sidewalks is important. They have a city line somewhat like we do and that the city reacts promptly when there is a repair needed. Sure the accessibility on sidewalks is greater than here, however we can use this model to ensure the safety of all our citizens and vehicles.

Stores and shops posed a different issue for this writer. She encountered various challenges to shops and stores and malls. She for the most part used the bump bars on entrances other times they were the round discs and sometimes the square hard to get to door openers. A simple solution to this is to encompass the whole procedure where the bump bars are required in all aspects of city planning. Stores should be required to have these installed to make it easier for individuals (differently abled and or seniors and mothers with the child carriers). This writer was able to speak to a few city employees while there and they had a simple plan work together for a friendly and all inclusive city and surrounding centers. I can honestly say that we can adopt this model for repair and renovation and expand so that we are all included in the whole plan so that this city or ours means so much more than just a city. The solutions are n front and we as citizens in Regina, can make it work where we do not see a sidewalk broken or a curb cut not repaired. Snow removed from sidewalks to make it easier for us all to travel. The writer had the distinct opportunity to chat with a few individuals whom experienced a lot of the problems with the way things were compared to what they are like now for travel. The first lady I was able to talk to was very open about her experiences with the way the city was with regard to repair of sidewalks. She stated “ the way things were they would take months to fix and I literally had to drive on the busy road to get anywhere” There were “no curb cuts that were that accessible to her” She also stated that many of the entrances to malls and stores were to “ hard to open”. That made it extremely difficult and therefore the business lost her money and her support and she went on to further state that word of mouth will get around about the doors and streets and stores. However she wrote letters and became quite the advocate to place change for an all inclusive city where stores and sidewalks were made accessible not just to her but to others. This writer was quite impressed with the overall attitude from the individuals that she spoke with. A few seniors were open about the displeasure they had with sidewalks being broken and in need of repair. Instead of complaining they went and attended meetings and pushed for change and it worked. This writer believes that with a positive attitude and we all have a voice to wish and want change and we have that in us to work together and not complain we can use the model from Vancouver and incorporate this to us and work as a unit and accomplish a goal of all exclusivity. All parties working for a common goal a fully developed center where access is an integral part of daily life and can be achieved. The problems are every growing, the solutions are simple.

Problem: 

Curb cuts, Sidewalks, Pedestrian Crossways;  

 Lack of cooperation from all levels of government, planners, engineers, community group inactivity for the neighbourhood needs of the citizens and city neglecting the need to clear off sidewalks, roads.

Solution:

Complete cooperation of all city officials, community organizations. Increased part icipation from engineers, planners, city  council and a equitable snow removal plan.

The Transportation issue was mentioned to this writer a lot before she went to Vancouver. Several points were made talking with individuals.

1). Cost

2). Schedules

3). Routes

4). Low Floor Buses

5). Snow removal

6). Increased Service During peak hours

7). Hours

The writer was surprised to know that the cost per year in Vancouver for a Bus pass for a year is only 45$, whereas here in Regina it is 54 $ per month. The cost per ride is 2 $ here where it costs 2.50 in Vancouver. However the difference is approx 1 hr transfer time, whereas it can be up to 4 hrs. Sure there is a larger population; however the rider ship is greater there then here. One of the biggest Reasons why individuals will not take the bus regularly is cost and time for individuals in Regina. In Vancouver the routes are quick and all buses are low floor. Here there are certain routes guaranteed low floor buses. The other routes are random. The drivers are trained and keep a eye on all passengers for safety. They (drivers) lock and secure Individuals with Wheelchairs and scooters while riding. The routes are to slow and widespread and the travel time is inadequate here. The number of hours is slow in comparison to other centers across Canada. For example: Vancouver starts at 5 am and runs til 2 am, In Saskatoon the buses start at 5 am and run til 1 am. In Winnipeg the service is pretty similar. The writer also made some note about Para transit service there as well, however similar, they run good due to the larger center, they have scheduling issues as well as we do and the costs are expensive for seniors and low income individuals (disabled).

The bus pass issue was a hot topic out there and is a consistent issue with individuals this writer has noticed. The guidelines are strict to obtain the 45$ pass in Vancouver, photo ID is required and the rider ship has increased almost 80% since this was implemented according to a source in the transit office. These simple solutions to this problem here with transit service can be solved. The implementation of low cost fares and increased transfer times allows riders to accomplish there tasks and duties and also permits the user quicker times to work and home. This system also enables disabled individuals to access buses that would normally be otherwise un accessible. The Para transit routes and times and costs are comparable to here, they have schedule issues and booking and cost. The city and the users of this service (Para transit) are working to improve the system to work for all. His can be achieved here with the use with more input from the public and especially those who are regular on the routes and bookings for para transit.

The snow removal issue is a hot topic here and has been discussed and put on hold. As of this week here there has been a announcement on this issue, however, it may be a bit late to organize a solid plan for the winter snow removal with a civic election looming. Vancouver has no snow; however they utilize public input in making the necessary changes to the system with frequent discussions. The community is aging as we are here in the city and we need the essential services to provide the transportation for all.

Problem:  Snow removal 

Solution: Increased discussion more frequently on this topic.

Problem: Cost / fares

Solution: Lower the fares to increase the Passengers. Implement a fare structure to include Photo ID for all users( prevents fraud) 45$ a year versus 54$ per month (disabled yearly pass)

All inclusive fare structure:

1 zone 18.00 adult concession 15.00, 2 zones adult 27.00, 3 zones 36.00 adult, and the day pass 8.00 adult and concession 6.00

the adult one for 1 zone is 69.00 and concession is 40.00, for 2 zones is 95.00 and concession is 40.00, for 3 zones it is 130.00 and concession 40.00

Problem: Schedules

Solution: Increase times for faster service. Booking times all inclusive to get a bus for para transit users. More operators for booking trips and buses. Able to book more than one trip per call.

Problem: Hours

Solution: the hours to accommodate shorter trips to and from work, increase buses during morning and afternoon times.

Problem: Low floor buses

Solution: Increase the number of routes to include areas that are not serviced. Train drivers to accept disabled passengers. Inform public of the low floor routes a comprehensive schedule of all routes with markers indicating wheelchair pickup and drop off as an alternative.

This writer also noticed that the buses use bio diesel for all buses there which is environmentally safe and secure for all. Also according to individuals that the writer spoke to , say that the doors to washrooms and malls are improving and I noticed that as well and where this was not done I made a comment to those that would do something about this. A good example of the washrooms not meeting universal design principles is the Regina terminal, the door is too small and opens inwards and the toilet sits more center than it should be to accommodate a chair. Whilst in Calgary the terminal is accessible and the washrooms are adequate to make sure a chair is able to enter the stall.

In summary the writer can only go on her observations and perceptions and opinions of those she spoke to while in Vancouver. She however talked to a number of individuals and spokespeople who are in the know on issues that concern all. A more inclusive system needed for all and if Vancouver is the model then why cannot we as a prairie city take that model and expand it and then enhance it so other communities use it as well. I have enclosed a letter upon which the writer wrote to Greyhound Canada, thanking them for the excellent service and safety of the only physically disabled passenger to go west in the early part of May. And a letter to the British Columbia ferry service for taking appropriate steps to correct a situation on the Sea bus. I wish to make note that there is room for improvement if we all work together and find a common goal for the problems that exist above. These problems can be fixed in a short period of time. Thanks.

Ms. Mellissa Northe

405 2240 Albert Street

Regina, Saskatchewan

S4P 2V2

May 14, 2006

Dear Sir/Madame,

I would like to personally thank you and your wonderful staff for a trip well worth taking. The trip originated from Regina and ended in Vancouver. As a Individual with a physical disability and in a wheelchair, I definitely appreciated the support and assistance in making my trip enjoyable.

My sincere gratitude and thanks go out to Lloyd, who at the Calgary switch off to Revelstoke leg of the trip made sure that my ride was comfortable. We encountered some trouble in the golden region of British Columbia, and Lloyd made sure that I was ok and comfortable. This trip was an eye opener for me as I hadn’t traveled greyhound in over 15 years. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to travel Greyhound and I will definitely plan on taking the service again in the near future. As a woman with a physical disability, it is sometimes very difficult to find a company and a group of professionals to assist us and to make sure we were comfortable. The assistance was appreciated and I wish to send a personal thanks to you all for the kind and professional manner that your company provides all of its passengers.

Yours truly,

Ms. Mellissa Northe

Ms. Mellissa Northe

405 2240 Albert Street

Regina, Saskatchewan

S4P 2V2

May 14, 2006

Dear Sir/Madame,

On a recent trip to the lovely city of Vancouver I had the opportunity to take the sea bus from Vancouver to North Vancouver. The ride was a interesting one, I noticed when entering the vessel that everyone had lifejackets and for myself and my two other passengers that were also in wheelchairs. There were no such safety devices for us. And if there were I was not aware nor did I see them close at hand.

I asked a attendant on the ferry where the life jackets were for the individuals with disabilities and I am not sure if I startled him or not. He was not quite sure where they were so I mentioned to him that the Titanic had not sufficient lifeboats and life jackets to save all there passengers and I made a comment that I guess that all the able bodied folks are saved first and that the ones in wheelchairs will sink like the Titanic with no chance of being saved. He seemed to be stunned at that thought and my Friend was also a bit concerned and some of the other passengers were a bit taken aback. He took out his notebook and made some notes about this and said that it would be addressed with the ships crew. I mentioned to him that I would be forwarding a copy of this letter to the company and copying it to the National Transportation Safety Board and the Minister for transportation. I also mentioned to him that it would be forwarded to the Canadian Disability Council as well and will be placed in a report that I am intending to do on the transportation and accessibility.

I wish to thank you for the opportunity to ride the ferry and I can honestly say please make sure that there are adequate safety devices that are accessible to each one of the disability passengers that ride the Sea Bus. This point to improve on the system that is in place and I hope that the recommendation is taken. Place them at the end of each aisle where the wheelchairs sit and or scooters are parked. Thanks once again for looking into this issue of safety not just for the wheelchair users and other passengers but for all who ride this vessel to enjoy North Vancouver.

Yours truly,

Ms. Mellissa Northe

"Thank you Mellissa for your interesting rant on accessibility and transportation in Regina and Vancouver. You rant comes is very opportune given the upcoming municipal election. As you point out in your rant people with disabilities in Regina are disadvantaged because of the under funding of transportation services, and an inaccessible environment.

It would appear the City of Vancouver has given considerable priority to the inclusion of people with disabilities. The City Regina needs to learn from the experience of others."

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