Canadian transport system will be the most accessible on the planet
How to make the transport system more accessible for people with disabilities and older citizens? And not just accessible, but the most comfortable and adapted in the world? Having asked this question, the Canadian Transport Agency (CTA) decided to ask the residents of the country for an answer.
CTA is a government agency responsible for Canada’s air, rail and maritime operations. On March 11, CTA announced the publication in Canada Gazette (official government media) of new proposals on transport accessibility for people with limited mobility and senior citizens, inviting the public to give them their assessment and comments. Based on the feedback received, the CTA will formulate final rules that will regulate the level of accessibility of transport and the quality of services for people with disabilities in Canada. The proposed regulations will stipulate to transportation service providers:
- How to communicate with travellers with disabilities.
- How to train transportation workers to help travellers with disabilities.
- How to make carriers (airlines, railways, buses and ferries), as well as terminals (such as airports) accessible.
- How to provide accessible services.
- How to make border and security screening accessible.
Scott Streiner, Chair and CEO of the Canadian Transportation Agency said: "Accessible transportation is a human right whose realization is essential to achieving equality, inclusion, and dignity for Canadians with disabilities. Our goal is nothing less than to make Canada’s national transportation system the most accessible in the world. That's an ambitious vision, but we believe that in a country whose values include equality and inclusion, we should aspire to nothing less."
The final regulations are expected to be published in Canada Gazette by summer 2019. Most provisions of the regulations would come into force one year from final publication, with some more technical provisions being phased in over three years.