Editor:
In response to a pamphlet, Save Our Service, I wish to support the continuation of HandyDart services.
My husband has dementia and recently diagnosed with lung cancer. We became familiar with the service when he was referred to the Come Share program for seniors.
He was picked up and brought back from the program once a week. The drivers were friendly and accommodating and careful of their passengers. It enabled him to get out and socialize with other seniors and gave me a few hours a day to pursue my own interests.
However, any time I called for a ride to doctors’ appointments or hospital trips, the service was rarely available. It didn’t matter if I tried to book a week ahead, it was never available.
I think the whole service needs a full overhaul. It seems to me it is very inefficiently run at the present time. I know the drivers and booking staff are frustrated as well.
It is a service that could function efficiently with proper planning.
Seniors and persons with disabilities are a large part of our population on the Lower Mainland. They all enjoy the opportunity to participate in community programs and have safe rides to doctor’s appointments and hospital visits.
On behalf of all of them, I ask that the provincial government and TransLink consider evaluating the HandyDart service and work towards its improvement and efficiency.
Phyllis Ogis, Surrey