WHEREAS as a result of the 1993 federal government decision to make accessibility standards voluntary, the transportation policy in Canada remains archaic and plagued with numerous barriers for people with disabilities, lagging far behind many industrialized countries including the United States and Britain; AND WHEREAS federal regulation and policy are required to ensure the needs of travelers with disabilities are given precedence as new transportation policies, programs and services are developed: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM, FCM, provincial and federal governments be requested to ensure that Canadian public transportation providers be required by law, similar to the United States Americans with Disabilities Act, to provide physical access for disabled passengers travelling in Canada.
Ministry of Transportation Infrastructure BC Transit, TransLink, BC Ferries and the Passenger Transportation Board have all made great strides in recent years to improve access and service levels for residents, travelers and commuters with mobility challenges. All transit users in British Columbia now have access to low floor buses that can easily accommodate passengers travelling with wheelchairs and scooters, and design guidelines have been adopted to ensure that mobility impaired persons can be accommodated at bus stops. HandyDART, Taxi Saver and Taxi Supplement programs are also available for persons unable to use the regular bus system. British Columbias taxpayers contribute 20 million a year to help keep ferry rates affordable for the disabled, eligible seniors, students and those travelling for medical reasons. Where possible, BC Ferries provides mobility-impaired persons with preferred special vehicle loading, elevator service, specially equipped washrooms and preferred parking. The Passenger Transportation Board is the provincial licensing authority for taxis, limousines and inter-city passenger vehicles in British Columbia. The Board has established a policy to encourage the increased availability of accessible taxis in urban communities and improved services for persons with disabilities. The Ministry of Social Development has programs available to assist persons with disabilities, including a special transportation subsidy for those who have difficulties using public transportation services.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities This resolution was deemed as a Category A non-concurrent resolution not endorsed at the September 2010 board meeting.