WHEREAS the Measuring Up The North project has identified that a lack of adequate transportation for people with disabilities and seniors is an issue throughout the NCMA region, and it has been identified through research that this issue is province wide; AND WHEREAS accessible transportation is key to quality of life, inclusion, participation, and community engagement of people with disabilities and seniors: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM lobby the provincial government to increase the level of funding for accessible transportation.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure With the further commitment of 9.5 million in provincial operating funds over the 20072008 20102011 period, plus the provincial share of capital costs for purchase of additional buses, BC Transit will be working with local government partners in 18 communities, including northern communities, to implement new or expanded services. With this new provincial funding and with commitments from other levels of government, public agencies and major employers, BC Transit will have the ability to add 120,000 hours of service, a 7 increase, and put an additional 53 buses on the road that are fully capable of serving mobility challenged persons and seniors. Overall, service hours in the conventional, paratransit and custom transit programs will increase by 37 in the year 201011 compared to 200708 levels.