| Policy Issue 1 |
Effect |
| Canadian Charter of
Rights and Freedoms |
Strong policy statement
in support of the equality of all Canadian citizens. Represented a strong
potential tool for those working to improve public
transportation.
No immediate effects. Government will was required to move
from policy to action that might improve seniors’ lives. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 2 |
Effect |
|---|
|
Federal policy on accessibility on air, rail, and inter-city bus
travel | Policies are in effect,
although they are often not well known as there is little public
marketing.
Assistance available for seniors on air and
rail travel, but often has to be "booked" in
advance.
Inter-city bus travel is available if an accessible bus is
requested 24 hours in advance of the travel. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 3 |
Effect |
| 1998 Ontario Municipal Act downloaded
responsibility for local transportation to municipalities |
Municipalities responsible for
making transportation decisions and also funding public
transportation. Accessibility differs according to
each municipality.
Criteria for Wheel Trans eligibility became considerably
more stringent. |
What needs to be done? |
| Policy Issue 4 |
Effect |
| Ontario government encouraging more community
(volunteer) transportation |
Volunteer agencies received some funding to expand
programs.
Some increased services for seniors |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 5 |
Effect |
| Pockets of money for transportation in Ontario government
funding |
Numerous programs, such as nursing homes, have pockets of
money that might be used for transportation (but can be used for other
needs) Depending upon local needs, extra money for transportation
for seniors is sometimes available.
The money is often discretionary, so it might be used for other
purposes that are considered to be of higher priority. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 6 |
Effect |
| TTC is becoming more accessible |
Elevators are gradually being introduced into the subways. Low
floor buses are gradually being introduced.
Elevators are not useful if they don’t exist in the stations
you use. Not all buses are accessible. This will be useful in the future, but
during the "growing stage" overall service is still poor. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 7 |
Effect |
| Toronto is erecting some larger street signs |
These street signs are easier to see.
There are still very few larger signs.
The lettering should be black, not blue. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 8 |
Effect |
| Tweeters are being set up at some corners |
Helpful for people who are visually impaired.
Not consistently at even main intersections.
There has been no public awareness, so many seniors don’t know what they
mean. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 9 |
Effect |
| Municipal policy on transportation is being set by non
seniors |
Emphasis on moving large numbers of people efficiently.
Lack of appreciation for the transportation problems seniors
face. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 10 |
Effect |
| Lack of attention to transportation needs of seniors when
federal and provincial policy is being developed |
Policy in such areas as housing, health, income, and others do
not take transportation needs into account.
Some policies (e.g., support to live in own homes) are not
successful for some seniors because they do not allow for transportation
needs, even for basics of living such as food. |
What needs to be done?
|
| Policy Issue 11 |
Effect |
| Governments appear more interested in people paying for
their transportation needs than in providing public transportation through
public funds |
Downsizing of some modes of public transportation (e.g., rail,
inter-city buses).
Privatization of one Toronto-area highway.
No expansion through the 1990s of TTC subway system or bus service, in
spite of increases in population of the Greater Toronto Region.
Fewer transportation options for seniors.
Few immediate effects for seniors, but sets a dangerous precedent for
privatization of what were formerly considered to be strictly public places
and services.
Gradual increase in TTC fares for seniors. |
What needs to be done?
|
