Do you remember the freedom you felt when you learned to ride a bike? What
power, being able to bike over to a friend's house any time you wanted,
rather than wait around for your parents to drive you.
The world opens up when you can get from one place to another.
From home to a job. From your workplace to a doctor's appointment to a movie
downtown with friends and back home again.
Transportation can empower people; it means independence, opportunities for
employment and social engagement.
Over the years, there have been
significant achievements in making public transportation services accessible.
And the design improvements that were done to address accessibility have been
found to help us all. Stop announcements on public transportation vehicles
help tourists, newcomers and those who are just too absorbed in their book
to know where they are.
Grab bars help us all when a train needs to stop abruptly.
Clearly marked route signage on a bus.
But there's always more that can be done.
The regulation sets out requirements that apply to...
Conventional transportation services such as buses and commuter trains.
Specialized transportation services designed specifically for people with
disabilities. And, transportation services that may be provided by school boards,
hospitals, or colleges and universities.
There are also requirements for
municipalities concerning accessible taxicab services, as well as accessible
bus stops and shelters for those that offer conventional transportation services.
The goal is to build more accessible communities.
With accessible transportation we will give everyone an opportunity to
experience independence. We open up the world to us all.
The Transportation Standard, as outlined in this module, addresses ways to
prevent and remove barriers to public transportation so that everyone can more
easily travel in Ontario.