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Updated February 1, 2012
 Transportation of Access-A-Bus Dialysis Patients will continue in event of strike
HRM will continue to work to the absolute last moment to avoid a transit strike on February 2. However, in the event that a strike does go into effect, Metro Transit would like to assure dialysis patients registered with Access-A-Bus that arrangements have been made for alternate transportation to and from your dialysis appointments.
Dialysis patients will be contacted directly today, February 1, by Access-A-Bus management staff to confirm the arrangements. Alternate service will be provided by either unmarked passengers vans with identifiable, qualified Metro Transit staff driving the vehicle, or Need-A-Lift (depending on the client).
The first priority remains those patients with appointments tomorrow, February 2, with further communication to other clients forthcoming should a strike go into effect February 2.
For more information on the potential strike call 490-4000 or follow us on Twitter @hfxtransit.
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Posted January 24, 2012
 AAB Customer Update - Potential Work Stoppage Feb.2
HRM’s contract with ATU Local 508, comprised of Metro Transit Bus Operators, Ferry Crews, Fleet Mechanics, and others, expired on Aug. 31, 2011. Negotiations have been ongoing since September 2011, however an impasse was declared Jan. 18 by the Minister of Labour after a report was filed by the Conciliator. On Jan.22 ATU Local 508’s membership voted to reject HRM’s contract offer, which constitutes a vote to strike. The Union is therefore in a legal position to strike on Thursday, Feb. 2.
In the event of a work stoppage by ATU, there would be no delivery of the following public transit services: fixed route bus and ferry services; community transit; MetroX; MetroLink; and Access-A-Bus (AAB).
A contingency plan has been prepared for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory dialysis patients to continue to have their transportation needs met, should a legal work stoppage come into effect February 2. These customers will be contacted directly by Access-A-Bus staff with 48 hours prior to the work stoppage deadline, to provide confirmation of any new arrangements to ensure that their dialysis treatments are not disrupted and that they continue to be accommodated.
For other frequently asked questions related to the work stoppage:
Customer Bulletin Jan.27 (pdf)
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Phase II Access-A-Bus Strategic Plan Implementation
Implementation of the council-approved Access-A-Bus Strategic Plan continues with the next phase of service enhancements to be implemented on August 29, 2011.
Since the Plan was approved in the fall 2010, positive changes include the expansion of the Access-A-Bus (AAB) service provision area, from within 610m to within 1000m of a fixed bus route stop, which is consistent with the buffer for local transit taxation. Additionally, personal care attendants are no longer required to pay a fare when accompanying an Access-A-Bus passenger.
Phase II service changes focus on improvements to AAB booking requirements and trip confirmations as follows:
- Advance booking time reduced to 48 hours (and up to 7 days), with immediate confirmation of trip reservation. Any requests made closer to a required trip date than two days in advance will be placed on a waiting list, on a first come, first serve basis, and filled as vacancies become available.
- AAB passengers can now make reservations through the scheduling department 7 days a week.
- AAB passengers will now be allotted a 30-minute pick up window at the time of their trip confirmation. This new window will include a five minute waiting time built in at pick-up locations to allow for more scheduling and operational flexibility as a result of unexpected delays due to traffic, detours or other circumstances. It will also result in allowing AAB to schedule more passengers on a daily basis for the benefit of all clientele.
These service enhancements are consistent with the AAB Strategic Plan recommendations as it was presented to Regional Council and to stakeholders and the general public throughout the council report approval process in 2010. Additional service improvements will be forthcoming, including a further reduction of the advance booking requirement to 24 hours in 2012; however, implementation of other recommendations with broader operational impacts are in the process of being phased in over the next five years as staff resources and operational budgets become available.
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Implementation of New Access-A-Bus Policies
Over the last year, Metro Transit has conducted an Access-A-Bus (AAB) study to determine how the current AAB service may be modified to better meet the needs of its clients.
The study included the review of its current policies and procedures, the development of service improvement options, public consultation with both residents and registered AAB users, and finally, an action plan for the implementation of its findings and recommendations.
Access-A-Bus Strategic Plan
As a result of the study recommendations which were approved in principle at Regional Council in January 2011, Metro Transit is able to make the following changes to Access-A-Bus practices, effective immediately:
- Access-A-Bus will expand its service provision area from 610m to 1000m of a fixed route bus stop, which is consistent with the buffer for local transit taxation.
- Personal care attendants will no longer be required to pay a fare to accompany an AAB passenger. To be eligible for this exemption, AAB passengers will be required to provide Metro Transit with a written recommendation from a physician, and receive approval for the personal attendant by Metro Transit. The personal care attendant will be required to travel with the AAB passenger at all times.
Please note that persons travelling with an AAB passenger without a physician’s recommendation will be will subject to the appropriate fare.
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 Halifax Regional Council
January 11, 2011
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 Mobility Scooters now allowed on Access-A-Bus!
As of August 2010, mobility scooters are allowed on all Access-A-Buses, designated ALF conventional bus routes and ferries. Maximum size restrictions are:
- 3-Wheel Scooters: 40” L x 21.125” W
- 4-Wheel Scooters: 40.25” L x 21.25” W
Note: All mobility scooters will require (4) anchors/tie down points to secure the device on the bus. These can be purchased at Lawton's, Harding or any wheelchair/scooter dealer.
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Access-A-Bus Service
 What is Access-A-Bus?
Metro Transit's Access-A-Bus service is a shared ride, door-to-door, transit service for persons who are unable to use the conventional transit system due to physical or cognitive disabilities and are declared eligible through a registration process.
The Access-A-Bus service is meant to supplement the Metro Transit fixed route system. Funding is provided by the Halifax Regional Municipality.
 Who can use the Access-A-Bus service?
There are several levels of eligibility for the Access-A-Bus Service. Some people may have disabilities that call for Access-A-Bus service for all trips, while others may only need the service when traveling alone, in the winter or for specific trips.
As a result, if you are declared eligible, the level of eligibility you are granted will be based on your needs.
The possible levels of eligibility are:
- Permanent
- Temporary (3 month period only)
- Seasonal (winter time)
- Conditional (travelling alone, dialysis)
You may qualify for the Access-A-Bus service if you:
- require use of wheelchair or scooter
- are unable to step up or down a 35 centimeter step unassisted
- are unable to walk 175 meter outside unassisted
- have 20/200 vision or less (legally blind)
- are unable to utilize conventional transit due to cognitive or physical disabilities
 Questions or Concerns?
Call the HRM Call Centre at 490-4000 or email contactHRM@halifax.ca
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