News

:

, ,

New program looks to introduce better accessible transit services in Amherstview

Municipal building in background with two township workers working on grounds
The Odessa Municipal Office where Loyalist Township Council Meetings are held. Photo by Ted Evans.
Ted Evans - CJAI - Stella • ON | 13-06-2023
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
Share on email
Share on print

Loyalist Township staff have developed a new service agreement with the Kingston Area Taxi Commission (KATC) that will help bring better accessible transit options to Amherstview for the remainder of 2023.

Council passed a motion at their June 12 meeting that will see the township enter into an accessible transit services agreement in August to better serve individuals living in Amherstview who require the service.

The township has a legal obligation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA, 2005) to provide subsidized accessible transportation for individuals who, because of the nature of their disability, cannot access the conventional transit system. Under the AODA, Loyalist Township must provide either a subsidized specialized transportation service to residents living within the Amherstview transit service area, or an alternative method of accessible transportation such as accessible taxis.

This subsidized accessible service agreement has been developed as a pilot program to deliver this service for the rest of 2023.

Coun. Paul Proderick noted the importance of a program like this in the area.

"This is an issue for more people than we would think, and hopefully it'll expand to other areas in the region," said Proderick.

Mayor Jim Hegadorn showed his support for the program as well.

"I think it's a great step to be able to do this, and become compliant as well under the AODA. So that's a great step for the Township. It's one year, but we're on our way." said Hegadorn.

The project is estimated to have an annual cost of approximately $235,000 based on an estimated 288 registered clients using the service for an annual average of just over 20 trips per year at an average cost of $40.06 per trip. With the pilot program starting in August, it's expected to cost only $98,000 for the remainder of the year.

A promotional and public communications plan has been developed for the program to engage with prospective clients, as well as interested members of the general public. The community can expect to see promotional material on social media, in print, and on a new accessible transit website to be run by the township.

Listen to the story below:

Download Audio