By: Ben Akuoko
One of our three commitments for CNIB’s new strategic plan, The Way Forward, is a focus on safe and accessible journeys to remove barriers and create safe, accessible door-to-door journeys for all.
Affordable access to transportation has recently become a topic of particular importance to residents of the City of Hamilton, where on January 1, 2024, the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) concluded its voluntary pay program, which allowed people with a CNIB ID card to access public transit free of charge. This change to fare policies was implemented without a thorough stakeholder consultation involving the blindness community, and many residents of Hamilton who are blind or have low vision were only alerted to the changes by a bus driver or other informal source in the months leading up to the end of the program.
In response, CNIB and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) held a town hall in late October 2023, providing space for Hamilton residents to voice their concerns. Alongside disability advocates and community members, CNIB shared the concerns of the blindness community at an October 30 Public Works committee meeting.
CNIB continues to work with the community and HSR officials to share the lived experiences of people who are blind or have low vision and ensure that safe and accessible journeys are available to everyone.
To learn more about our advocacy on public transit, please visit our Get on Board campaign page.