TransLink is now accepting applications for both the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee and HandyDART Users’ Advisory Committee until Sept. 14.

The Purpose of the Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee (UAC) is to advise TransLink on improvements to the accessibility of their conventional transit services (Bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coast Express). The Committee provides accessibility-related advice on TransLink plans, programs and other initiatives and is comprised of persons with disabilities, seniors or their representatives. UAC members are people with disabilities, seniors, or individuals who support people with disabilities and/or seniors.

The purpose of the HandyDART Users’ Advisory Committee (HDUAC) is for HandyDART customers and their representatives and stakeholder groups to provide advice and guidance on HandyDART plans, programs and other initiatives, and to advise TransLink on matters to improve HandyDART service for customers. HDUAC members are individuals who use HandyDART, or people who provide support for people who use HandyDART.

For more information and to apply, please click one of the links for each of the committees.

Apply to Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee

Apply to HandyDART Users’ Advisory Committee

Are you concerned about Translink’s increasing use of taxis to perform HandyDART trips? Are you worried about the service’s lack of public accountability?

Join the Save Our HandyDART! Virtual Townhall

DATE: Wednesday, September 20th
TIME: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM PDT
LOCATION: Online, via Zoom
REGISTER:

A new report called “Access for Everyone? Publicly Operated HandyDART” was released last week. It shows TransLink’s HandyDART contractor is failing to meet the demand for HandyDART services. The report found that in 2022 TransLink provided just half the HandyDART service per senior as it had in 2008. Read the press release and full report here: https://ecoplanning.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Access-for-Everyone-media-release-2023-05-02.pdf

DABC is endorsing the report. Along with unions, climate, and seniors groups, we call on TransLink to bring HandyDART in house and operate the service directly, instead of contracting it out to private businesses. We believe this will improve services.

The Vancouver and District Labour Council is seeking speakers with experience using HandyDART who are willing to speak at an upcoming mayors’ meeting, in support of Translink providing HandyDART services directly. Please contact DABC if you want to speak at the mayors’ meeting, or you can register here: https://www.translink.ca/about-us/about-translink/mayors-council-on-regional-transportation#speaking-at-mayors-council-meetings.