Staff Report #1 – Enclosure I – Summary of Public Feedback – AODA Accessibility Requirements

· The current Accessibility Plan does not outline strategy to prevent and remove barriers

· American Sign Language (ASL) training for all employees

· Bi-annual retraining of all employees

· More formats available for public reports, such as large print and Braille

· Public information is difficult to find intuitively on the website

· Participation in feedback events for transit rarely ever get advertised on all forms of public transit (including paratransit)

· Some of the LTC employees are downright rude and very discriminatory towards individuals simply because they require the use of a service dog.

· There isn’t a reasonable response time for many complaints, concerns or questions

· Have better information about service delays and interruptions

· Wasn’t aware of support person policy

· Better planning on drivers leaving stops early making it harder with people who have disabilities to make it to the bus

· Making sure all routes are available on Sundays and stat holidays

· Using mystery shoppers to assess services to ensure drivers are adhering to needs of disabled and physically challenged users (start/stop, quick braking, moving before everyone is seated)

· People who have balance problems should be able to sit in the priority seating area and not for strollers

· The customer service policy should address how people travel with cargo on buses but also ensure access.

· The customer service policy should allow for drivers to assist people with disabilities onto conventional transit buses when they get stuck in the snow.

· Move and accommodate others that need the accessible seating

· Bus announcements not working and plan for addressing same

· Priority should be given to wheelchair users

· Bus should be lowered/ramp deployed upon request

· Too many people being left behind at bus stops since the priority seats are filled with strollers and cargo

· Most stops don’t have shelters

· Shelters can’t accommodate larger assistive devices such as scooters and larger wheel chairs

· There are stops without a pad so people with assistive devices are forced to block sidewalks while waiting for the bus

· It’s difficult to reach the stop requested strings, bus drivers do not always pull right up to the curb which makes it difficult to safely board and deboard the bus.

· Increased service

· There is a huge backlog of calls every morning

· Is it possible to book under 3 days?

· Not enough transportation for medical patients and call in and booking arrangements not adequate

· Not enough room for traveller and 2 companions at times

· Online booking please

· Addressing the particular needs of dialysis patients that account for a large percentage of the rides

· Not enough service hours during peak times

· There needs to be cameras like there are on conventional buses to ensure the safety and security of passengers and drivers

· Often have to book rides at inopportune times since rides are unavailable in the morning or evenings

· More effective snow removal during winter months

· Get the City to shovel down to the bare sidewalk to stops

· Working with the city to ensure cleared paths of travel to bus stops, facilities, etc. especially when it comes to weather, construction, etc.

· More effective policies regarding removal of snow and ice at bus stops.

· 150 Dundas – Needs to be larger, easy way in and out with actuators on both doors

· 150 Dundas – limited to no seating for those that can’t stand long while waiting to be served

· 150 Dundas – service counters too high for wheelchair