HandiDART users decry cut hours

Residents who rely on the Sunshine Coast Regional District's (SCRD) HandyDART buses for transportation are feeling the effects of reduced bus trips and aren't afraid to show it.

About 30 HandyDART users and their supporters showed up at the Sept. 3 infrastructure services committee meeting to let directors know how the cuts were affecting them.

The SCRD reduced the number of hours the bus runs from 75 to 60 hours per week during budget discussions in March. The schedule changes began Aug. 10. The move resulted in cost cuts of about $9,000 per year according to SCRD staff.

Sandi Cavalier, a Sandy Hook resident, said her grandson Jordan has been unable to make it to his medical appointments and work because of the reduced hours.

"There are more people here who need this bus than ever before, and you're cutting hours. I just don't understand. We need more hours," she said. "Everybody pays enough taxes. We should have this service. This is one of them that should not be cut, and I think it's disgusting the way this is being met."

Other users pointed out that the decreased hours mean users frequently do not have enough time to complete all their errands, as medical trips and group trips are given priority.

"It's a necessity for these ladies because they have no other way of getting to dental, medical [appointments] and, in fact, to provide food to them each day," one man said, speaking on behalf of his mother. "I really think this is a necessity service, and not, as was quoted, an outing."

According to SCRD stats, the change has resulted in more "unmet trips" - trips requested by HandyDART users that cannot be accommodated - but average travel time has gone down and the number of rides per hour has gone up.

SCRD directors have asked staff to revisit the operating hours for the HandyDART to see if improvements can be made in light of the unforeseen effects on the users.

"We promise you we will look into it, and that's not just an idle statement," said Garry Nohr, director for Halfmoon Bay.

SCRD board chair Donna Shugar asked the users to try to adjust their appointment times as the HandyDART will be running at its current schedule for the foreseeable future.

"While our staff are looking at it, I would ask all users to look at their own schedules and see if there is some flexibility that you can do on your part to try to work within this schedule," she said.