Getting around Victoria with handyDART, HandyPass and Taxi Saver
by KT
One of the hardest things to deal with as we age is the loss of independence. Driving may no longer be an option, taxis can be expensive and buses aren't always the easiest mode of transportation for someone faced with mobility issues.
The Victoria Regional Transit System provides information and training for passengers with problems using the regular bus system from Sooke to Sidney. More and more buses are equipped with floors and steps that lower and ramps that provide access for wheelchairs and scooters. Check the routes in your area to determine which stops provide wheelchair access, as not all stops are deemed safe to provide wheelchair access. Look for the International Symbol of Access, the blue and white decal, at the bus stops.
Check the Transit guidelines for wheelchairs and scooters before you purchase as there are size restrictions. The current size for access to regular buses is 2’ by 4’.
HandyDART provides transportation for passengers with temporary or permanent physical and mental disabilities that make it difficult for them to use the regular transit system without assistance. You will have to register for the program and your eligibility is determined case by case.
HandyDART is a door-to-door service that requires you to book your trip in advance. Drivers pick you up at an arranged time and assist you from the front door of your building to the front door of your destination. The buses are wheelchair lift equipped (up to 4' by 39”) and drivers assist you on and off the vehicle and make sure you are securely fastened in. This a shared service and your pickup time may have to be flexible to accommodate pickup and drop-off for other clients.
Make sure to notify the booking agent if you require seating for an attendant or a companion. Your attendant is someone who is there to provide any services and assistance you may need during your trip and they do not pay; a companion is someone who is accompanying you as a friend and they pay full fare.
You can book a 'subscription' trip if you are going to the same destination once a week or more and will be repeating for longer than four months, for example attending renal treatments. Once you have provided proof of a month's worth of trips and qualify for the program, the appointments are booked automatically. Until then, book each trip in advance.
'Reservation' trips can be booked for any location and for any purpose. This is a first-come, first-served service and you can book up to 14 days in advance. You can also book group trips for a number of clients and their attendants and/or companions. Again, this service is as-available.
It is important for all of these services to give the booking agent as much advance notice as possible and have your information available when you book your trip.
You, or whoever is making arrangements for you can book a trip online, by calling the booking agent in the Transit offices between 8 and 5, Monday to Friday or by booking online or using the automated phone system. You must be registered to use the automated systems and remember to provide a list of your destinations, their addresses and phone numbers for the automated system; these systems can only book trips to locations that are on your file. HandyDART fares are the same as regular BC Transit Adult fares; you will need to pay cash, use one of acceptable Transit passes or discount tickets with cash.
Once you are registered, you will also want to obtain your handyPASS which is your picture identification. If you are traveling on the regular bus with an attendant, show the driver your handyPASS and your attendant travels for free.
You will also need the handyPASS to obtain Taxi Saver coupons. Taxi Saver coupons are a subsidy available to full time handyDART clients when the regular handyDART service can't accommodate you. There are eight taxi companies that accept Taxi coupons, only Bluebird Cabs, Yellow Cabs and Victoria Taxi can provide wheelchair service. You will need to advise the dispatcher that you are in a wheelchair.
You can purchase one sheet of tickets a month (in denominations of $1, $2 or $5 with a value of $80) for $40 per sheet or 50 per cent of the cost. You pay the cash difference for fares more than the dollar amount....for example a $5.50 fare is one $5 coupon and 50 cents cash.
HandyDART also provides a Community Travel Training Service to assist you in using the regular buses at times when it would be easier to use than handyDART. The service will also arrange a practice session with a handyDART bus for clients who are new to scooters and wheelchairs. Transit will also help you learn to use the wheelchair access for their regular buses. Contact the BC Transit Safety and Training office.
And if you still have questions, consult the 28-page guide available online or call the Transit offices.
http://bctransit.com/regions/vic/accessible/pdfs/6075%20USER%20GUIDE.pdf
*** KT is a Victoria-based writer who writes for bestseniorsinfo.com on a variety of subjects.
