Disabled residents say transit’s unfair
Posted By Catherine Griwkowsky News Staff
Posted 2 months ago
Several Strathcona County residents came into the council chambers last week, with help from electric scooters, walkers, canes and wheelchairs, for a public open house to let council know transportation is not equal.
Jo Berlinguette, from the Sherwood Park multiple sclerosis community group, shared her concerns with Strathcona County Accessible Transit (SCAT) and co-operation with Disabled Adult Transit Service (DATS).
She said people with disabilities have restricted access to travel in Edmonton, and can only visit pre-set, designated stops.
"We are not able to go visit friends outside of Sherwood Park, or choose where we want to shop or play or to just have the freedom to go wherever people go," she said. "This is not the same right as able-bodied people have."
In order to travel in Edmonton from Sherwood Park, people must be registered in both SCAT and DATS.
Each of the transit systems have 30-minute wait times.
"It is not like transferring from bus to bus on the public station," she said. "If we have to wait for either bus, let's hope the weather is good."
To book a trip on SCAT, you have to book 48 hours in advance, and you have to identify what your trip into Edmonton is for.
The bus will take them to an appointment at the MS Centre, but will not take them to yoga, stretch class or a party.
"Why is our privacy violated by having to disclose why we are going to a destination?" she asked. "Socialization is an important as an appointment."
The urban/rural boundary causes added costs. She said SCAT is not subsidized through the Everybody Rides program.
She added transportation is necessary in preventing social isolation, which impacts health.
"When we are completely dependant on public transportation, we are most at risk for social isolation," she said.
Berlinguette met with the transportation department and asked council to allot more funding for SCAT and DATS.
Coun. Vic Bidzinski, whose wife was diagnosed with MS, understands many of the challenges the group is going through.
"Fortunately, myself and my daughter have been able to give my wife the rides that she needs," he said.
Coun. Roxanne Carr called the presentation timely, as the county is conducting a transportation review.
"I commend you on taking the time to work with our department heads and staff to show that we can do things better in the future," she said.
Coun. Linda Osinchuk said the transportation issue is a co-ordinated effort with Edmonton.
Berlinguette said she went to the Capital Region Board in the spring, and they were supposed to be invited to speak, but the group has not received the invitation.
Coun. Jason Gariepy clarified that the SCAT program is subsidized, but not through Everybody Rides.
Debates do not take place at public open houses. Council responds with a letter and may discuss the issue at a council meeting on a later date.
catherine@sherwoodparknews.com
