Paratransit and accessible transit

Overview of the situation

Transportation is the cornerstone of social participation. Without it, it becomes almost impossible for persons with disabilities to access health services, education, employment, or even recreation. In several regions of Québec, paratransit is in a fragile state, a situation amplified by a precarious supply of alternative transportation. This directly impacts essential services such as pre-hospital emergency care (ambulances).

Moreover, the current reality does not take into account the risks faced by citizens who turn to alternative and sometimes illegal means of transport that fall far short of the expected safety standards (lack of permit, inadequate driver training, non-compliant vehicles, etc.). It also ignores the impact of the ever-increasing cost of living resulting from the pandemic and international conflicts.

Paratransit in Québec suffers from a glaring lack of funding and political attention. It is also affected by Bill 17 (taxi reform), particularly in the regions, which compromises the accessibility and quality of services for persons with disabilities. These issues deserve urgent and ongoing attention from the government.

Paratransit is much more than a service—it is a vital necessity to ensure the independence and dignity of persons with disabilities. It is imperative that concrete actions be taken to strengthen this pillar of social participation, in collaboration with all stakeholders

Taxi transportation: necessary measures

In the taxi industry, several solutions could improve the situation:

• Improved working conditions: Review driver compensation to make salaries more competitive.
• Tax credits and measures: Provide tax incentives to facilitate driver recruitment.
• Local calls for tenders: Encourage local businesses to bid in calls for tenders to support the regional economy.

Reform of the Programme de subvention aux véhicules collectifs is essential. This could include:

• Adapting used vehicles in good condition rather than requiring new vehicles.
• Increased subsidies to cover modification costs and inclusion of microbuses.
• Support for vehicle purchases, given prices have increased significantly.
• Driver training to ensure quality service.

In September 2023, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Geneviève Guilbault, announced an annual increase of $3 million to renew and increase the fleet of adapted vehicles. However, there are still many needs to be met.

Sustainable mobility action plan

The sustainable mobility action plan of the Ministère des Transports et de la Mobilité durable (MTMDQ) includes provisions for paratransit. However, to ensure more effective management, municipal groupings are needed, accompanied by equitable financial means and transparent accountability. Better participation of persons with disabilities in the management of complaints is also expected, with a view to inclusion, safety and dignity. This issue is critically important because without transportation, access to health services, education, employment and recreation becomes extremely difficult.

Consultation committee on paratransit

In October 2023, Geneviève Guilbault also announced the creation of a consultation committee on paratransit, a commitment made to the Confédération des organismes de personnes handicapées du Québec (COPHAN). This committee, chaired by the MNA for Drummond-Bois-Francs, Sébastien Schneeberger, will propose concrete solutions based on customer needs to improve the accessibility and quality of services.