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[music plays throughout]
[man] Hi, folks.
In addition to being clean, convenient, and affordable,
Burlington Transit also offers
a full range of accessibility for our riders.
Occasional and new passengers often ask me,
"Bob, do you think transit is safe and convenient for everyone?"
I do.
And with me today is Marilyn Turner,
who's going to take us through some of the accessibility features
that are available to you.
[Marilyn Turner] Thanks, Bob. In Burlington,
the entire fleet of buses is accessible,
and the team at Burlington Transit
ensures they stay up to date with all the latest conveniences
for the safety, comfort, and ease of use for all passengers.
This allows everyone to travel spontaneously
to wherever they wish or need to go,
without a great deal of planning ahead, or having to book other transportation.
[Bob voiceover] Essential activities like getting to work,
picking up groceries, recreational activity,
and health related appointments can each be met
in our fully climate-controlled buses and Handi-vans.
[Marilyn voiceover] Burlington Transit will also ensure you arrive
at family events, social functions, entertainment of choice,
or your place of worship throughout the city.
[Bob] To begin, simply choose your route planning option.
BusLINE, which is very convenient,
and will connect you with a customer service representative
by telephone,
Google Trip Planner, which is online,
or open the handy Ride Guide.
Or, just ask one of our drivers.
[Marilyn] Thanks, Bob. Burlington Transit drivers
are one of the best resources for information,
and they're always ready and willing to provide assistance.
Ride Guide can tell you where and when you can catch the bus.
It is available on City of Burlington Transit buses,
and several locations throughout the city.
Please feel free to call customer service
to find out where you can pick one up near you.
Ride Guide can be sent to you through the mail, if requested,
and Google Trip Planner is available on the website,
and is now compatible with screen readers.
[Bob] Thanks, Marilyn.
Now, let's go over the safety and comfort that our fleet offers.
Drivers can lower the bus and deploy the ramp
for getting on and off safely.
[Marilyn voiceover] Seating is well spaced,
and the floors are also slip-proof.
The buses use highly contrasting colours to help riders with vision loss.
And drivers are always ready to assist with boarding and disembarkment.
[Bob] And as mentioned previously, for comfort and safety,
all of our buses are climate-controlled
to keep us all cool on the hot days...
and warm on the cold ones.
[Marilyn] Now, let's quickly go over some features
and guidelines of riding.
Once you have identified your stop and fare option –
cash, tickets, pass, PRESTO, or transfer –
please arrive a few minutes before your scheduled time.
[Marilyn voiceover] Please wait for the driver to lower the bus
or deploy the ramp, if you need it.
[Bob voiceover] If you're uncertain of your destination,
just ask your driver to let you know when you arrive at your desired stop.
Priority and courtesy seating is located at the front of the bus
nearest the driver and front door.
Older adults and persons with disabilities
are encouraged to use these seats for their safety and convenience.
[Bob voiceover] If you require assistance,
the driver can secure your wheelchair,
and provide seat belt assistance, as preferred by the rider.
[Marilyn voiceover] If you use a scooter,
you must transfer to your chosen seat.
Again, the driver can assist you.
[Bob voiceover] Walkers can be set aside.
Please remember to apply the brakes
and keep them out of the way of other passengers.
Service animals are permitted aboard Burlington Transit buses.
[Marilyn voiceover] The "call stop" button
is within reach of each passenger.
Push it when you know your stop is approaching.
Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop
before moving to the door.
While some people may use the rear door to exit,
the bus can be lowered or ramp deployed from the front door.
[Bob] A fixed route is the most common form of transit,
but for eligible riders, Handi-van is also readily available
and provides specialized service.
Information on Handi-van,
and how to apply for Handi-van service
is available online at burlington.ca/transit.
[music ends]
For more general rider guideline information,
please check out our video, "How to Ride the Bus,"
also available on the Burlington Transit website.
[Marilyn] Bringing accessibility to transit
is a process of inclusion and respect,
and greater accessibility means a greater quality of life
for everyone in our community. [upbeat music starts]
[woman] It's one of the easiest ways to get around town.
[man] The buses are more accessible.
Um, I find that more people with disabilities
are travelling on a daily basis.
[elderly man] The buses now are all really, fully accessible.
[woman] Snow – if it's really, really bad,
I don't maneuver in ice very easily, so I take the Handi-van.
The services are just phenomenal.
[man] I find the colour scheme on the bus very helpful.
[elderly man] Two weeks ago, I went to the symphony.
[man] Meet my friends at a coffee shop.
[woman] Library – I'm gonna work on my computer,
which is stashed here.
She'll sit behind me, and we'll spend two, three hours.
[dog whines] Then we'll go back on the bus and go home.
[Bob voiceover] If you have any questions,
never hesitate to ask myself,
any other supervisor you may see on the road,
or any one of our friendly drivers that you meet around the city.
Or, go to www.burlington.ca/transit.
[Marilyn] Thank you for watching. [Bob] And we'll see you on the bus!
[music fades out]