Metro Vancouver stands at a transportation crossroads as TransLink prepares to make a pivotal decision about the future of HandyDART, the region's essential accessible transit service.
Growing Political Pressure for Change
Nine mayors and five municipal councils, representing 73% of Metro Vancouver's population, have publicly demanded that HandyDART be brought under public control. These leaders argue that the current privatized model fails to provide adequate accountability to the riders who depend on the service.
The December 3 TransLink board vote will determine whether HandyDART remains with private contractor Transdev, a French multinational corporation, or transitions to full public management. For thousands of seniors, people with disabilities, and those battling serious illnesses, this decision carries profound implications for their mobility and independence.
Documented Service Decline Under Privatization
Recent performance data reveals significant service deterioration. TransLink's own annual report shows complaints increased by 7.5% last year, with service delays, operator issues, and scheduling problems among the most common concerns.
Riders now experience longer wait times, more missed trips, and increasing reliance on taxis to fill service gaps. Last month alone, taxis accounted for 28% of all HandyDART trips, meaning approximately one quarter of passengers are transported by drivers often unequipped to provide proper accessible care.
Workers from the Amalgamated Transit Union describe chronic understaffing and rushed scheduling at Transdev. Driver turnover at the private contractor exceeds double that of conventional public transit operators, indicating systemic workplace issues.
Broken Promises and Lack of Transparency
The decision-making process has drawn criticism for its lack of transparency. Despite promising riders, workers, and community groups that a comprehensive service model review would be publicly available with meaningful consultation, TransLink will release the report just days before the vote.
This timing prevents thorough public scrutiny of the findings and limits stakeholder input on this crucial public service decision.
The B.C. NDP government also faces criticism for delaying action on its pledge to end HandyDART privatization, adding another layer of political significance to the upcoming TransLink vote.
As the decision date approaches, disability advocates and municipal leaders emphasize that bringing HandyDART in-house represents the best path toward restoring reliability, dignity, and proper service for Metro Vancouver's most vulnerable transit users.
