TransLink ends 28-year accessible transit service for man with disability

Tom Cretain, a 71-year-old man with spinal muscular atrophy, has been left housebound for two months after TransLink abruptly ended his HandyDART service, a lifeline he had used for nearly three decades. Cretain, who cannot sit up without support, relied on the accessible bus or taxi service to navigate his daily life, attend events, and keep medical appointments.

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Were you transporting me unsafely for 28 years?

TransLink stated that Cretain's current mobility device exceeds the safe accommodation capacity of HandyDART vehicles and contracted wheelchair-accessible taxis. This assessment, they claim, followed a recent review requested by their taxi provider, which identified safety issues. TransLink recommended non-emergency hospital transfer services as an alternative, a suggestion Cretain rejected, emphasizing he is not a patient but an individual seeking to live independently.

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Neither HandyDART buses nor contracted wheelchair accessible taxis are able to safely and reliably accommodate your present equipment.

Cretain expressed disbelief and distress, questioning how he was transported safely for 28 years if the service is now deemed unsafe. He feels his life has been shut down, forcing him to cancel summer plans and miss crucial appointments. Elenore Sturko, the independent MLA for Surrey Cloverdale, has taken up Cretain's case, calling the situation discriminatory and urging the government to find a solution.

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It shut my life down. I haven’t been out for two months.

Emily Watson, senior vice-president for Transdev, which operates HandyDART for TransLink, acknowledged the situation and stated they are actively working with TransLink to identify suitable transportation alternatives and collaborate on long-term solutions for passengers like Cretain.

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The fact that they haven’t been able to find any solution to accommodate him, despite the fact they’ve actually been driving him for 28 years, is ridiculous.