TransLink has stopped providing HandyDART service to a 71-year-old Surrey resident after nearly three decades, citing safety concerns about the size of his specialized wheelchair.
Tom Cretain, who has physical disabilities, relied on the service for transportation. Two months ago, he was informed that HandyDART would no longer accommodate him.
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After measuring his wheelchair, TransLink sent a letter stating that neither HandyDART buses nor contracted wheelchair-accessible taxis could safely and reliably accommodate his equipment.
Cretain responded, "Were you transporting me unsafely for 28 years?"
TransLink explained that a recent review by its contracted taxi provider identified safety issues related to the size of Cretain's mobility device and transfer needs.
The authority emphasized that the decision was not due to a policy change.
Cretain said the loss of service has left him housebound, forcing him to cancel plans and miss medical appointments.
"Your mandate is to provide transportation for people like me in this day and age.
When people are going to the moon, I think they can find a way to get me across town," he said.
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TransLink recommended non-emergency hospital transfer services as the safest alternative. However, these services generally do not provide transportation for non-medical errands such as grocery shopping.
Emily Watson, senior vice-president at Transdev, which operates HandyDART, said the company is "actively working with TransLink to identify suitable transportation alternatives and will continue collaborating on long-term solutions for passengers."
Elenore Sturko, Surrey Cloverdale MLA, criticized the situation as discriminatory.
"The fact that they haven’t been able to find any solution to accommodate him, despite the fact they’ve actually been driving him for 28 years, is ridiculous.
The government should be ashamed," she said.
B. C.
Minister of Transportation Mike Farnworth said his ministry is aware and will engage with TransLink and HandyDART to address the issue.
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Cretain expressed hope for a swift resolution, saying, "I don’t want to spend the rest of my life in this room."
