New Sarnia Transit Bus photo submitted by Sarnia Transit Nov 17/2017New Sarnia Transit Bus photo submitted by Sarnia Transit Nov 17/2017
Sarnia

Are Sarnia's accessibility transportation options hitting the mark?

City staff want a clearer picture of the community's need for accessible transportation options.

Sarnia council is being asked on Monday to direct staff to conduct a public survey.

Mayor Mike Bradley said they want to hear from individuals who use the service.

"Even though we've achieved a lot here over a number of years, there's still a long way to go," said Bradley. "Getting people timely [and] accessible transportation who need it. In Ontario and Canada, with aging populations, the disability issue becomes a bigger one every day for people."

While various modes of transportation are available, a staff report being presented to council says it's unclear if these services effectively meet on-demand needs.

"My understanding is the study would look at all the issues," Bradley said. "What we're doing today, the number of users that are involved in the system and how many people -- I hope it would ask -- aren't using the system because of the infrequency of the service or the cost of the service. All of those issues. Again, in an aging society, not just here but across the country, the issue of disability access for transportation is going to grow, and grow, and grow."

The Sarnia Accessibility Advisory Committee recommended the city conduct a survey.

"From having worked on disability issues for many years for the Ontario Disability Employment Network, the number one barrier for people with disabilities for employment is often transportation. So, to me, we should be looking at how we can be making that service better so that people can follow up on those employment opportunities and have a job."

Bradley said it's not just breaking the barriers as it relates to transportation, but by breaking those barriers and giving more access you also give people an opportunity for employment.

Council will consider the recommendation during its regular meeting at 1 p.m.

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