Thursday, March 4, 2010

In Canada, a group of disabled people complain about costly accessible transportation

From CBC News in Canada:


A group of disabled people has complained to the Human Rights Commission about Edmonton's subsidies for public transit.

Right now, people on the provincial Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped program who are capable of using public transit pay $32 for a monthly pass. But those who require the city-run Disabled Adult Transit (DATS) because of their disability pay $81.50.

"I think it's very unfair because some of us have to use DATS, we have no choice," said Peggy Millenaar (pictured), who has multiple sclerosis.

"We're all on the same income, so it's not fair. Some who use transit can get the discount." she said. "We need it just as bad they do."

Millenaar has written to city council about the issue and said she plans to add her name to the list of complainants to the Human Rights Commission.

Others are about to follow suit, according to staff at Chrysalis, a charitable foundation set up to help those with disabilities.

"It definitely is unfair practice. You know they are on limited incomes every month," said Ruth Biollo-Ramos, program manager at Chrysalis. "It's significant. It comes out to $594 a year that a person would have in their expenses."

City officials refused comment on the issue because the matter is before the commission.