HALIFAX – Metro Transit is hosting four public consultations today and tomorrow to aid a consultant’s review of HRM’s public transit system as part of its Universal Accessibility Planning Study. The sessions will consist of a short presentation followed by a question & answer period.
Metro Transit states:
This includes reviewing Metro Transit’s existing infrastructure (vehicles, terminals, bus stops, shelters, etc.), and evaluating the overall business processes and products, such as accessible customer information (directional signage around service areas); communication; website; and policies & practices for accessible customer service.”
While Metro Transit is to be lauded for commissioning a study aimed at improving ‘the overall accessibility’ while inviting residents to participate in these discussions, my disappointment lies in the distinct lack of reach to the community or ridership itself.
The consultations are taking place away from each city’s dense cores with no online survey component for residents who are unable to attend. As important as it is to diversify where consultations are held (not everything needs to be downtown), it should be equally important to reach out to residents from more than one location in either Halifax or Dartmouth. (Did they forget about Bedford, Sackville, Herring Cove, etc.?)
Nevertheless, this is an important opportunity to have your say in the future of your transit system.
Take the bus!
WHAT: Universal Accessibility Study – Public Consultation Sessions – Metro Transit
WHEN & WHERE:
Wednesday, March 9
Saint Andrews Community Centre
6955 Bayers Rd., Halifax
Afternoon session: from 3:30pm to 5:00pm
Evening session: from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Thursday, March 10
Dartmouth North Community Centre
105 Highfield Park Dr., Dartmouth
Afternoon session: from 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Evening session: from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
CONTACT: Unable to attend the Public Consultation Sessions? Leave your comments/questions by contacting the HRM Call Center or by e-mail at contactHRM@halifax.ca
Photo by Victor Stegemann, member of Spacing Atlantic’s flickr pool.