Vancouver City Council |
REPORT TO COUNCIL
Date:
April 30, 2003
Author:
Vince Miele/Tina Hildebrandt
Phone No.:
604.873.7268
RTS No.:
3432
CC File No.:
5561/3053-1
Meeting Date:
June 24, 2003
TO:
FROM:
Special Advisory Committee on Disability Issues
SUBJECT:
Replacement of the Trolley Fleet
RECOMMENDATION
A. THAT Council ask Engineering staff to identify all inaccessible bus stops that need to be accessible in order that they are compatible with TransLink's anticipated new, accessible trolley bus fleet.
B. THAT Council ask Engineering staff to report back with the estimated time frame by which those bus stops identified above need to be accessible, in order that they coincide with the release of the new accessible trolley fleet.
C. THAT Council ask Engineering staff to report back with an estimate of the amount of funding required to carry out A and B above.
D. THAT Council ask Engineering staff to confirm the source of funds required for the above.
CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS
The new trolley bus fleet will begin arriving and in-service in the Fall 2005. The General Manager of Engineering Services advises that Engineering staff has been working with TransLink on integrating these new buses into the City. This work will include, for example, adjusting bus stops where required to make them accessible and to accommodate articulated buses. It is intended this work will be done in 2004 and 2005, and will largely be complete by the time the buses arrive.
Engineering will either report to Council for specific funding to carry out the necessary City work or including this work in the appropriate operating budgets.
PURPOSE
This report seeks Council approval to identify all inaccessible bus stops that need to be made accessible in order that they are compatible with TransLink's anticipated new, accessible trolley bus fleet.
BACKGROUND
In the Spring of 1989, the disability community, through the Committee to Promote Accessible Conventional Transit (ComPACT) was successful in its efforts to have BC Transit adopt a policy of replacing its bus fleet with "accessible" buses and a commitment to achieve full accessibility on conventional transit by 2006. It was the first transit company in Canada to offer this type of service.
The first lift equipped buses were delivered in May 1990, and the last phase of the program is the replacement of Vancouver's trolley buses. It is anticipated that the Trolley fleet be replaced by 2005. In order for the system to be not only accessible but usable, the bus stops will require upgrading so that individuals who use wheelchairs can access the trolleys.
DISCUSSION
The Special Advisory Committee on Disability Issues, at its meeting on April 3, 2003, received an update on replacement of the trolley fleet. It was noted that TransLink's Accessible Transit Committee has placed a priority on identifying the bus stops that need to be upgraded for accessibility. Committee members agreed there is a need to ensure that a reasonable time frame and budget be in place before work begins.
CONCLUSION
The Special Advisory Committee on Disability Issues recommends that Council approve the recommendations noted above.
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