Editor: Last week, TransLink announced that it would not scrap the Taxi Saver program. This program allows disabled people and seniors to purchase scrips that give half-price taxi fares. Sadly, TransLink backing down is a hollow victory.
Over 30 years ago, the disabled and senior community fought for accessible public transportation. HandyDart was born of that struggle. Now after three decades TransLink has unveiled proposals to erode HandyDart service in the next three years.
It is small consolation to those who need door to door service that Taxi Savers will be continued. The provincial government has no issue in providing funds for executive raises, mega-projects and retractable roofs.
Meanwhile TransLink is forced to convince homebound people that they must sacrifice to help create “efficiencies.”
At some point, we all reach out for help. Public transportation for those unable to take conventional transit gives people quality of life and health.
Disabled people and seniors deserve proper funding and should not have to be coerced into cuts to an already overwhelmed HandyDart service.
Mark Beeching,
Langley