If I were to give advice to anyone who isn't comfortable using public transit, at first,
I'd say - don't be afraid. The drivers are trained professionals. The system is safe
and, of course, as much as you might be afraid, you will be absolutely amazed the freedom
you get to experience. One of the first things I learned was that when you get to go whenever
you want, whenever you want, you do go wherever you want, whenever you want.
Hi, there. My name's Maureen Van Ravens and I'm the manager here at TransHelp at the Region
of Peel. TransHelp is committed to work with Brampton and Mississauga Transit to support
transportation opportunities for people with mobility issues. We want people to feel accepted
and comfortable to use conventional transit. There are so many more travel options than
there were before, and we encourage you to try new service.
Hi, I'm Geoff Marinoff, director of Mississauga Transit. We want all of our riders to have
a positive experience with us. Today, all of our drivers are trained on accessible services.
Ninety percent of our fleet is accessible, as well as twenty-five percent of our routes;
and we won't stop until we reach a hundred percent accessibility.
Hi, I'm Sue Conner. I'm the director of Brampton Transit. We're one of the fastest growing
transit systems in Canada. We've invested in first-class, fully accessible buses to
make your ride more comfortable and convenient. By 2012, we plan to have fully accessible
buses on all of our routes. Our operators are ready to assist you with your commute.
Welcome aboard!
I have been using conventional transit for a long time, and there have been a couple of times where, you know, it has gotten me
where I want to go really fast; and I think that those experiences, as a whole, have helped
me use conventional transit a lot more and trust in it.
One of the advantages of being able to take public transit versus TransHelp is that I'm
not limited by schedule. I can go in at night, on the weekend - I can even go in inclement
weather. One of the best things I can do is not have to worry about my schedule syncing
up with someone else's. I'm free to do what I want, when I want.
Two week after I had my wheelchair, I was already getting on some of the Mississauga
buses that were accessible at that time, and now that - I think every Mississauga bus is
accessible. Just look up the map to see where they're going if you want to go somewhere,
and just get on the bus and go. So, the ramp was a big concern when I started
using this mode of transit, but at the start, taking it over time, I'm working that fear
of mine, and the ramps, most of the time do work, and its great.
I was afraid that somebody would yell at me because I was taking up too much room with
the chair or somebody would yell at me because I have a dog on the - on the bus with me,
but most of the time, I find the drivers are just fabulous.
You know, I've found that the drivers are always willing to come and help you or something,
so that - don't be afraid of them - actually use them to help yourself; and you know, it'll
make the experience that much easier and you'll have fun as well.
It really improves your self esteem, your ability to be independent, make decisions,
go places, widens the horizons - and be part of the community.
Well its not just for people using the mobility devices, but people like me who are blind cane
user. Hi, my name is Nozar Boresion and I'm a person with total vision loss, and I do
use the public transit - the conventional transit wherever I go, every day. Its very
easy, very convenient, and I think its the best mode of transportation for people with
any kind of disability; and, well, here's another example - of Jerry - he's a person
with down syndrome, and he has difficulty in communicating with people, but he's not
scared of using the public transportation. So you have as much right to be there as anybody
else. You pay the same fair. It's your bus system.
I do ride with a lot of my friends. They usually come along with me because they also don't
have cars. So, I - you know, we're all on a budget.
When it comes to the conventional transit, I just try and go to the specific bus terminal
- bus stop and hop in a bus and there you go.
So that gives me more choice and then more places to go - when and - where I want to
go. And just working on that self confidence,
so, and just getting them to think I can do - I can do this - I can be independent.
It gives me more, like, confidence - using city bus. And it gives me a lot more experience
to get around by a city bus. Go, sort of, in the middle of the day between
- you know, when it's, sort of, not the rush hours. Try and go where there's a smaller
route - less traveled route, and tell the driver that this is your first time, and that
if there's - you know, if he can explain what you have to do as far as backing into your
spot and so on. I do encourage you all - people out there
who are having any kind of disability to come forward and use the public transit.
If you've decided to take a public transit bus for the first time, here's a quick look
at what you can expect: First, be at your bus stop on time. If you use a mobility device
like a walker, cane, or a wheelchair, you'll usually get on board first. The driver will
kneel the bus if needed. If you're using a wheelchair or a scooter, back up, so the driver
has room to lower the ramp. Use the ramp to enter the bus, and put your money or ticket
in the fair box. Feel free to ask the driver or another passenger for help.
Hi. I can't quite reach the ticket box - could you put this in for me?
Your welcome. The driver will flip up the seats at the front
of the bus so you have room to position your wheelchair or scooter. Back up, so your rear
wheels are against the board. This will stop you and you mobility device from moving too
much during the ride. If you like, you can use the safety belt.
Hello. Brakes on? Yep. I'm going to Shopper's World, by the
way. Okay, thanks.
Its a good idea to tell the driver where you're going so he or she can let you know when your
stop is coming up. If you're taking a Brampton Transit bus, you'll be facing the front of
the bus. If you are taking Mississauga Transit, you'll be facing the back of the bus.
If you need an attendant because of your disability, they can travel with you for free. Service
animals are welcome to travel with you on the bus as well.
When you're getting close to your stop, signal the driver by pressing the stop button, or
the yellow tape on the seat or wall beside you, or pull the yellow cord.
The driver will usually help you off the bus before the others get off.
Thank you. Remember, the driver will lower the ramp to
allow for safe boarding. When on board, position your wheelchair or scooter in the accessible
space. Position yourself with your rear wheels against the board. Tell the driver where you
are going, and signal when you want to get off. It's easy to use public transit. Lots
of people with various disabilities do. Now is your opportunity. Call Brampton or Mississauga
Transit and they'll help you plan a trip, or answer your questions. Now is the perfect
time to use public transit to go where you want, when you want. Welcome aboard!
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