"One of the biggest accomplishments in the city of Ottawa is the advances we've made in public transportation," says Barry McMahon, Ottawa's Accessibility Advisory Committee Chair.

Ottawa's public transit services — OC Transpo — delivers safe, reliable and courteous service to all residents. And since people with disabilities represent a significant and growing part of the population, OC Transpo has undertaken several initiatives to address accessibility issues in transportation in partnership with the community.

Customers with disabilities can rely on OC Transpo's fleet of low floor buses, which lower to the curb, making that first step easier. "Our focus is mainly on people with mobility issues," says Vicky Kyriaco-Wilson, Transit Marketing & Customer Service Manager at OC Transpo. Yet the special features such as low floor buses are not only necessary for customers who use a wheelchair, but it can also be helpful for seniors, persons with mobility difficulties, parents with small children or even shoppers laden with parcels. Inside the low floor buses, many features such as a ramp and two wheelchair spots, yellow grab rails and pull-cords, and easy-to-reach stop request buttons make riding transit that much easier.

Customers can also use Para Transpo's large fleet of modern, air conditioned cars and lift-equipped vans. Para Transpo offers a door-to-door transportation service where customers are helped in and out of vehicles. As an alternative to Para Transpo, the city also offers a Taxi Coupon Pilot Program, which allows registered customers to take an accessible taxi at a discounted price.

"The advances that OC Transpo has made means that people are out there, going to school, going to shop, going to their jobs," says Barry.

The various services offered in Ottawa make it a win-win situation for everyone, offering new possibilities for people with disabilities as well as benefiting local businesses.

For more information about OC Transpo accessible transit services:

• visit their website or
• call (613) 741-4390 (TTY 613-741-5280).