The future of Metro Vancouver’s HandyDART accessible transit service is at a critical juncture as TransLink weighs its options for service provision.
At a public TransLink Board of Directors meeting scheduled for Wednesday, the key topic of discussion will be the decision between continuing to contract out HandyDART operations to a private company or bringing the service in-house.
Since 2023, the France-based Transdev Group has been managing HandyDART on behalf of TransLink after acquiring the previous operator.
Joe McCann, president of Amalgamated Transit Union 1724 (ATU), representing about 600 HandyDART employees, is advocating for the service to be brought in-house in response to public demand and support from local mayors and riders.
A recent plea from nine mayors and city councils across Metro Vancouver urged TransLink to take back control of HandyDART operations.
In a review of delivery models, TransLink staff highlighted that a “fully in-house model” would come at a higher cost due to factors like hiring new staff and potential wage parity negotiations with other employees.
McCann expressed skepticism about the cost estimates presented, questioning the rationale behind the projected increase in expenses.
If HandyDART remains contracted out, McCann warns of potential service quality decline, increased reliance on taxis, and overall dissatisfaction among riders who deserve well-trained drivers.
The final decision on the future of HandyDART will be made during the TransLink Board of Directors meeting starting at 9 a.m.
Keyphrase: HandyDART transit service