Service will hopefully give people with disabilities faster access to transportation, advocate says Sarah Petz · CBC News · Posted: May 11, 2022

The City of Winnipeg has launched a service that will enable wheelchair users to book rides with accessible vehicles from multiple taxi and personal transportation providers.

The new service, a two-year pilot project called Winnipeg WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), was announced on Wednesday.

Similar to other ride-booking services, users will be able to set their pickup and drop-off locations, and arrange for a ride from the nearest available vehicle, the city said in a news release.

City of Winnipeg Launches App for Residents With Mobility Issues to Book Accessible Cab Rides full article

Koryn Krekoski says it’s hard to get around town with very limited options Jamie Malbeuf · CBC News · Posted: May 11, 2022

A Fort McMurray mother is fighting for accessible transportation in the community after discovering just how hard it is to get around town with a child and a disability.

Koryn Krekoski, member of the Wood Buffalo Regional Inclusive Committee, had a stroke when she was five months pregnant, resulting in diplopia, which is double vision, along with a weak right side.

She can’t do a car seat up with her right hand and she doesn’t drive.

Fort McMurray Mom With Disability Fighting for More Accessible Transportation Options full article

Committees suggest the city waives licence fees for accessible cabs Natasha Riebe, CBC News
Posted: Mar 07, 2022

The Accessibility Advisory Committee and Women’s Voice of Edmonton are calling on the city to create standardized training on cultural, gender, disability and age issues for all taxi drivers.

The City of Edmonton needs to do more to ensure taxi service is safer and more accessible for everyone, at least a dozen people will argue at a committee meeting at city hall Monday.

The Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC) and Women’s Advocacy Voice of Edmonton (WAVE) plan to present several recommendations to the community and public services committee.

Advocates Call for Safer, More Accessible Taxis in Edmonton full article

The BlindSquare Event app is free for users to download.
Author of the article:The Sault Star
Publishing date:Feb 28, 2022

Sault Transit buses are now equipped with an accessible navigation and wayfinding system that will help the visually impaired.

BlindSquare is a software that uses GPS technology to estimate the proximity of bus stops, when passengers will arrive at each stop and can audibly identify bus stops.

Bus tracking is a feature of the city’s intelligent transportation system designed to make riding the bus easier and more accessible for users.

City Adds Wayfinding App to Increase Accessibility for Visually Impaired full article

Not everyone has a smart phone to use at a bus stop, say critics David P. Ball · CBC News · Posted: Dec 04, 2021

Bus riders in Victoria are questioning the provincial transit agency’s move this week to take down bus schedules from all its stops across the capital region.

Instead, transit users now see signs with a website, a scannable QR code and a phone number to help them find out when the next bus is arriving. B.C. Transit says the move is only temporary, but without an end-date, because of driver shortages.

B.C. Transit Takes ‘Step Backward’ on Accessibility by Removing Victoria Bus Schedules, Say Advocates full article

Alisha Dicks, CBC News
Posted: Nov 18, 2021

Living with a disability can sometimes be frustrating, expensive and isolating. But, as the CBC’s Alisha Dicks knows, it’s so much more than that. Her disability has taught her to think creatively and look at things from a different perspective. In her new series, Access with Alisha, she gives us a look into her life and helps break down barriers for others.

Recent record high gas prices are hitting people across Newfoundland and Labrador right in their bank accounts, but for people with disabilities, especially outside St. John’s, the cost of transportation is even higher – and sometimes there’s no access to transportation at all.

For People With Disabilities, Transportation is Getting More Expensive – If It’s Available at All full article

Christina Carrega
CNN
Published Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Customers with disabilities across the United States have been overcharged by Uber since 2016 for allegedly taking too long to load into their designated vehicle, according to a federal civil lawsuit the Justice Department filed on Wednesday.

Uber’s policies and practices of charging “wait time” fees for disabled passengers and potential passengers violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the lawsuit filed with the US District Court for the Northern District of California.

U.S. Justice Department Sues Uber for Allegedly Overcharging People With Disabilities full article

From apps that read what’s on the signs to staff who meet you at the door, the country has built one of the world’s most accessible railway networks. By: Anne Pinto Rodrigues
Reasons to Be Cheerful, November 4, 2021

“Anyone can go blind,” says 51-year-old Rik Wouters. As a young man, Wouters could see perfectly fine. But about 25 years ago, his vision gradually worsened due to a progressive eye disease. Today, Wouters, who lives in the Dutch city of Leiden, is entirely blind and works as an advocate for the visually impaired. “It just happens to you,” he says.

How the Netherlands’ Train System Works for the Visually Impaired full article

Claim filed by Paralympian and engineer alleges discriminatory pricing for seats on international flights August 20, 2021

Celebrated Paralympian Paul Gauthier and a Calgary engineer with quadriplegia are suing a group of Canadian airlines including Air Canada (TSX:AC) and WestJet, claiming in a class action that people with disabilities are subject to discriminatory air travel charges if they require more than one seat to accommodate their disabilities on international flights.

Gauthier and Christopher Reaume filed a notice of civil claim under the Class Proceedings Act in BC Supreme Court on August 3, naming Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge General Partner Inc., Chorus Aviation Inc., Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet as defendants.

Class Action Takes Aim at Airfares for Persons With Disabilities full article

By: Stephen Wentzell
July 24, 2021

An accessible taxi-style service could soon be making its way to the Halifax Regional Municipality.

A new survey, launched Thursday, is looking for public feedback on a potential program anticipated to begin operations by the end of 2021. The municipality says survey responses will help inform the framework for how the service will operate.

The private, on-demand program would require the municipality to pay a fee to the contracted company to provide an accessible taxi-style service, while users will pay the standard rate for cab rides.

For disability rights activist, Vicky Levack, the program would make a major difference in her life.

Accessible Cabs Would Make a ‘Major Difference’ in Halifax full article