Adapted transit users in Montreal concerned over service cuts
Montrealers with mobility needs say they are feeling increasingly isolated by changes to adapted transport services.
The local transit authority, the STM, announced last week that a labour shortage in the taxi industry means it will scale back transport services for people who use adapted transit.
"I know how significant this may be for your life and activities," said STM general director Marie-Claude Léonard in an announcement Monday, adding that the organization is working hard to resume service.
For now, users will need to plan around fewer available trips, and optional companions likely won't be able to ride with them.
That has a severe impact on Sandra Gualtieri and Adam Tryhorn. Both use wheelchairs, and support worker Shelby Johnson helps ensure they can run errands and get to appointments.
"I use paratransit for everything. Groceries, shopping, medical appointments, all of which I need to bring a companion with me to assist me," said Gualtieri.
"It's just denying someone their right to leave their homes," said Johnson, adding she may have to meet them there. "If I'm going to just have to travel separately, like, just take a different bus or a metro, and if it takes longer, they just have to wait for me to get there, and pay for it out of my own pocket?"
While they can still get around on their own, Tryhorn fears some people won't be able to attend appointments at all.
"As for the medical issue, a lot of people won't be able to go to their medical appointments if they don't have someone to help them," he said.
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante said the city will look at ways it can help to alleviate pressure on the transit system.
"If you're living with a disability, it's already hard enough. So having the ability to use public transport is so important," she said.
The STM told CTV News that while it's trying to resume service, people with mobility needs should try to limit their travels to less busy times and use the metro or buses when possible.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
He didn't trust police but sought their help anyway. Two days later, he was dead
Jameek Lowery was among more than 330 Black people who died after police stopped them with tactics that aren’t supposed to be deadly, like physical restraint and use of stun guns, The Associated Press found.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.
Louis Gossett Jr., 1st Black man to win supporting actor Oscar, dies at 87
Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries 'Roots,' has died. He was 87.