How accessible is the bus?

Did you know that Cornwall Transit offers a variety of services to meet the needs of people with disabilities?

Cornwall Transit offers a Companion Card for seniors or people with disabilities registered on Handi-Transit who require a companion to travel with them on the conventional (regular buses) or community bus routes. The card is available at a one-time cost of $10. It entitles the recipient to travel with a companion for the cost of one fare. People with visual impairments can use their CNIB card to obtain a free ride on both the conventional or community bus routes. It is now common practice for bus operators on all conventional bus routes to announce bus stops. This practice is not only beneficial to people who are visually impaired but to the elderly, children, and people with cognitive or developmental challenges. Cornwall Transit is expecting delivery of three 30-foot, low-floor fully accessible conventional buses in late March 2009.

The Community Bus Service, which operates on fixed routes, is open to everyone. The service is provided in low-floor fully accessible buses. It can be identified by large yellow ‘Community Bus’ lettering. It is primarily used by seniors and persons with disabilities as it links seniors’ and private apartments and other residences with major shopping, recreation and medical facilities. Unlike the Handi-Transit system, no reservations are required, but door-to-door service and driver assistance are provided.

The Handi-Transit Service is a door-to-door service where driver assistance is also provided. Unlike the Community Bus Service, you need to be registered and qualify to use this service. Reservations can be made two weeks in advance and up to the day before, depending on availability. The service is provided in low-floor fully accessible buses. For those people requiring an attendant present with them, the attendant travels free while using this service.

Recently, Cornwall Transit introduced a one-year pilot project offering Community Bus Passes for adults, students or children at the same low price of a senior’s monthly bus pass ($34). he Community Bus Pass can be used to travel on the conventional or community bus routes. Registered Handi-Transit users can purchase 25 single ride tickets for the same monthly low price of $34. To qualify, you need to be a recipient of ODSP or Ontario Works. A limit of 150 Community Passes are available each month on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on the Community Pass or any other services Cornwall Transit provides to residents of the City of Cornwall, call 613-930-2636 or visit www.cornwall.ca.

To obtain this article in large print or alternate format, please contact the City of Cornwall’s MAAC Accessibility coordinator at 613-932-6252 or jmalyon@cornwall.ca.