Access-A-Bus

Accessible Transportation Advisory Committee

March 5, 2003 Meeting Minutes

PRESENT:

Joeanne Coffey
Carol Epstein
Todd Hacquoil
Margo Hoben
Edward Laverty
Catherine MacIntosh
Darrell Robar
Gary Russell
Robert VonSchroder

ALSO PRESENT:

Kevin Hindle, Supervisor, Special Services
Sandra Henbeary, Maritime School of Social Work
Diane Miles, Maritime School of Social Work
Anna Tillett, Maritime School of Social Work

REGRETS/ABSENCES:

Donald Allen
Lynne DeMont
Ian MacArthur
Councilor, Gary Meade, District 23

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 2:05 PM.

2. INTRODUCTION OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS & STAFF PRESENT

Round table introductions were made. There were three students from the Maritime School of Social Work, who sat in on the meeting. They are working on an project for their course. They were interested in see how the Access-A-Bus system works.

3. REGRETS/ABSENCES

Donald Allen, Lynne DeMont, Councilor, Gary Meade sent their regrets. Ian MacArthur, was absent.

The minutes of the January meeting were approved as presented.

5. APPROVAL OF THE ORDER OF BUSINESS AND ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS

The following items were added to the agenda;

11.4   Letter from Access-A-Bus User Regarding Safety Issue
11.5   MS - Meetings

6. BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF MINUTES

None

None

8.1 Bus Services New Leaf Clients

This item had been dealt with in a timely manner and was no longer relevant.

8.2 Eligibility Criteria

A lengthy and detailed discussion surrounding the eligibility criteria took place. The discussion centered around the use of companion by users of the Access-A-Bus system who have a cognitive or visual disability, with no other physical disability.

Once an Access-A-Bus user who has a visual or cognitive disability, is in the presence of a non-disabled companion, the Assess-A-Bus user is able to use conventional transit with the aid of their non disabled companion.

Some users of Access-A-Bus, are being given conditional eligibility for use of the system. If they are in the company of a non-disabled companion, they will be required to use conventional transit.

This is not a new eligibility rule, it is just enforcing the existing rules.

8.3 Seagway Scooters

A question whether the Seagway Scooters (stand up / two wheeled scooters) will be allowed to be transported on Access-A-Bus. Although the Seagway Scooters are not meant to be used as medical aid, the possibility of someone wanting to use them on the Access-A-Bus system might exist someday. By the rules of the Public Utility Review Board, these scooters are unable to be transported on Access-A-Bus, due to the inability to properly restrain them in the bus.

9. CORRESPONDENCE, PETITIONS & PRESENTATIONS

9.1 Correspondence In/Out

In:

1. Job Posting From Partnership For Access Awareness

A job posting for a Access Awareness Coordinator, was received, most committee members were called informing them of this position, before the closing date.

2. Letter from St. Vincent's Guest House

Outlining their Speakers' Bureau. They offer individuals to speak on some of the services they provide.

3. Resource Directory for Persons With Disabilities, Nova Scotia

The directory was shown to committee members and Garry offered to get a copy for any committee member who thought they could use one. A copy will remain with the Assess-A-Bus files and be used as a reference guide in the future.

4. A Flier From Liberty Motor Company Inc

The committee was informed of the flier, as it pertained to purchasing a personal assessable vehicle. More information can be found at www.libertymotorco.com

5. Letter from Kevin Hindle to Access-A-Bus User

This letter pertained to the snow removal at an Access-A-Bus clients home. It is considered a safety issue due to the lack of snow clearing. Kevin asked the committee members if they knew of any services that may be available to Access-A-Bus clients to assist with snow removal.

Out:

1 - 2. Letters from Todd Hacquoil Chairperson to Brian Taylor

A letters of support were sent to Brian Taylor for the proposed Access-A-Bus Budget 2003-2004 and recommendations for the IBI Report. Copies of the letters were circulated to the committee members.

9.2 Petitions - None

9.3 Presentations

Kevin gave an quick outline of the presentation he gave at Armview Estates. He also asked if the committee wished to view the power point presentation that he gives. Time will be allocated at the next meeting for the presentation.

10. REPORTS

10.1 Committees:

1. Feedback Sub-Committee

Catherine read the feedback committee report to the committee. The committee reviewed the feedback forms from November 27, 2002 to February 1, 2003. There were a total of 18 complaints and 2 complements

2. No-Show Cancellation Sub-Committee

Darrell Robar gave the committee report, there was one letter of adjustment was sent out, after reviewing the circumstances with the client.

10.2 Transit Services

1. Statistical Reports

Kevin circulated the statistics for the month of February. Kevin also circulated a information sheet, that was requested by the Mayor's Office, it compared Access-A-Bus service to other comparable services across the country (systems of similar service area and numbers of users).

11. MOTIONS

None

12. ADDED ITEMS

Kevin handed out a proposed flyer that will be available on all the Access-A-Buses and may go out with the annual meeting mail out. The flyer has an outline of information that is useful to the Access-A-Bus user, including how to book a trip - phone numbers etc. The committee will review the flyer and bring back any recommendations to the next meeting.

12.2 Park Lane Mall - Accessible Entrance

Park Lane Mall has gone under some changes, and the previous drop off location for Access-A-Bus users is no longer assessable. With cooperation from several HRM departments. The new designated drop off location will be on Spring Garden Road. This meant the moving of the preexisting taxi stand and erecting new parking signs.

The date for the Annual General Meeting has been set for Wednesday May 22, 2003, 7:00 - 9:00 PM. It will take place at the North End Community Center in Dartmouth.

Kevin had a concern regarding the practice of giving free rides to the first 50 clients who request transportation to the AGM. The budget has not yet been approved and Kevin is not sure they can guarantee, at this time, 50 free rides. With the number regular trips that are normally needed on a Wednesday night, Metro Transit, at this time, is not sure if they could accommodate the 50 extra trips. The committee agreed that if users wanted to attend the AGM that they would be willing to pay.

12.4 Letter from Access-A-Bus User Regarding Safety Issue

A letter from an Access-A-Bus user regarding an incident that took place with the bus and an individual on the street, who was intoxicated. The letter outlined the incident and expressed concerns that the user had. Kevin gave a brief description of the incident and what was done by Metro Transit.

12.5 MS - Meetings

This item was differed until the next meeting.

13. NOTICES OF MOTION

None

ADJOURNMENT - DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Next meeting will be March 26, 2003 - 2:00 - 4:00 at the Keshen Goodman Public Library, 330 Lacewood Drive

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