Left out of the media coverage of the TTC’s continuing budget drama is the
parallel transit system for those who cannot use subways, buses and
streetcars. Wheel-Trans is the door-to–door accessible service that for
the price of a regular TTC fare, moves its riders in special vans or
private taxis. Users must make a reservation for their ride the day
before, and then call again that evening to confirm the exact time of
pick-up.
Riders make around 5,000 trips every day, a number that
Wheel-Trans manager Bob Thacker hopes to increase by 5% in 2004. The
operating budget for the service is somewhat more protected from budget
cuts than the conventional TTC system. The larger network is looking at a
shortfall of more than $50 million next year, possibly resulting in fare
hikes or service cuts. Mayor-elect David Miller hopes to convince the
provincial government of Premier Dalton McGuinty to speed up its planned
transfer of gas tax funds to the city. If he fails, it is not clear
whether Wheel-Trans would be cut too. Thacker says that over the last few
years the service has had “excellent support” from Toronto city council, a
time when many hard choices have had to be made about city services.
“I think individuals recognize the importance of our
operation. For our registrants, Wheel-Trans is really the only mode of
transportation for many of them, which makes it a really important
service, (especially) when you consider that it links many of the other
services that our clients need.”
A few years ago, the eligibility criteria for users were
revised, and people who were used to getting service lost it. Thacker says
that currently “80 to 85%” of those who apply for the service are
accepted, and that 97% of eligible registrants are accommodated when they
ask for a ride. He says that recently Wheel-Trans experimented with
changes to the time window during which riders must wait for pick-up – a
very important issue to users, some of whom may have to wait outside for a
half-hour. The test resulted in better on-time performance, except during
the afternoon rush hour. Riders are now being consulted on the best way to
make improvements to the reliability of the service.
What of those who aren’t eligible for Wheel-Trans, or want
to use the rest of the TTC system? Stations along the subway network are
gradually (some would say slowly) being retrofitted to allow more people
with limited mobility to get around without making appointments the day
before. Glenn Johnston, senior planner for the TTC’s accessible services,
says that the first phase of subway station improvements was aimed at
those who could walk, but who faced difficulties that others did not.
Yellow raised platform edge markings were installed, along
with other visual and tactile indications on floors and stairs. The
big-ticket item however, is the elevator. Out of 69 rapid transit
stations, 19 have elevators, including the entire Sheppard line. Eight
more are scheduled to get lifts by 2007, including Eglinton West, Jane,
Broadview, St. Clair, York Mills and Lawrence West. Main and Eglinton
stations are due in 2004, and the pace of installation is not expected to
pick up unless a load of money falls on the TTC.
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