TTC announces new round of consultations on accessible public transit
The TTC has announced a series of public consultations aimed at enhancing accessibility and support for individuals with disabilities utilizing its Wheel-Trans service and conventional transit system. These consultations come as the demand for Wheel-Trans and more accessible conventional transit is on the rise. In 2023, there were 3.02 million Wheel-Trans passenger trips, up 25 per cent from the previous year.
“The growing demand for Wheel-Trans service underscores the importance of enhancing accessibility options and ensuring that all residents can travel safely and comfortably within the city,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. “These consultations by the TTC are a crucial step towards ensuring that transit services are inclusive and accommodating to the diverse needs of all Torontonians.”
In February, the TTC Board approved a new round of consultations following a request by the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee (TAAC) to address concerns around safety, equity, and mitigating impacts of service disruptions within the conventional transit system on Family of Services customers. A Family of Services trip includes a combination of Wheel-Trans vehicles and accessible conventional transit for all or part of a customer’s journey, allowing for more flexible and spontaneous travel for individuals who are able to use conventional transit.
“As TTC Chair and Chair of the Toronto Accessibility Advisory Committee, I recognize and value the unique diversity of all TTC customers, and I am looking forward to hearing ideas and feedback from the community throughout the consultation process,” said TTC Chair Jamaal Myers. “Participation in the survey and public meetings, especially from those who identify as persons with disabilities with lived experiences of taking public transit, are crucial in making the TTC a better, more equitable, and accessible transit system for everyone.”
“We recognize the importance of building an accessible transit system for everyone, which is why our entire streetcar, bus and subway fleets are now accessible,” said TTC CEO Rick Leary. “By engaging with the community, listening to customer feedback, and continuously improving our services, the TTC is setting a standard for accessible and inclusive transit systems.”
Online survey
Wheel-Trans customers, support persons, and representatives from community-based organizations dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in a confidential online survey, conducted by Forum Research. The survey will be open until Tues., Apr. 30, 2024.
To take the survey, visit: https://survey.forumresearch.com/SE/1/TCQ5/
Hybrid public meetings
In addition to the survey, the TTC will host two public meetings in April that will focus on addressing potential barriers to registering for Wheel-Trans service and utilizing the Family of Services.
The meetings will be held in person at Metro Hall – Rotunda, 55 John Street, Toronto, ON M5V 3C6. They will be held on the following dates:
Tues., Apr. 16, 2024
4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Registration: https://myevent.com/WTAccessibilityforum1
Thurs., Apr. 18, 2024
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Registration: https://myevent.com/WTAccessibilityforum2
The meetings will also be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person or prefer to join virtually. Further details are available at: https://www.ttc.ca/riding-the-ttc/Updates/Wheel-Trans-Community-Feedback.