WINNIPEG, MB – February 12, 2024 – CNIB welcomes the Government of Manitoba’s announcement on its commitment to make public transit more accessible. Under the Accessible Transportation Standard Regulation, the province has committed to removing barriers to public transportation and creating inclusive transportation systems for all Manitobans, including those who are blind or have low vision. The recent announcement from Nahanni Fontaine, Manitoba’s Minister of Families and the Minister responsible for Accessibility, marks the province’s fourth accessibility standard enacted under The Accessibility for Manitobans Act.
“People with sight loss continue to loudly voice that transportation barriers are among the greatest they face, whether they live in rural or urban environments. Without access to public transit, people may experience reduced independence, higher rates of unemployment, limited recreational opportunities, and increased social isolation,” said Christall Beaudry, CNIB’s Vice President for Western Canada. “This standard is an important step in creating barrier-free access to transit in Manitoba. As we champion safer communities, CNIB urges the government to continue working with people who are blind or have low vision to make public transit systems even more accessible and inclusive.”
The standard, which sets out requirements for accessible communication, staff training, and vehicle design, will apply to conventional transit systems, including local bus services, and extend to speciality systems like paratransit, taxi and rideshare services. Although conventional transit operators have until January 1, 2042 to fully upgrade existing bus fleets, any buses purchased on or after July 1, 2027 must be compliant with the vehicle design requirements.
“Manitobans who are blind or have low vision can’t wait until 2042 for a fully accessible public transit system,” said Beaudry. “We look forward to working with transit operators to accelerate these timelines and provide equal access to public transit services well in advance of the deadline.”
As part of its Safe and Accessible Journeys commitment, CNIB’s goal is to ensure everyone with sight loss can leave their homes confidently and safely, knowing they can get to where they need to go, when they need to go. CNIB will continue to work with the Government of Manitoba to support the successful implementation of the accessible transportation standard in the creation of accessible and inclusive transportation systems for all Manitobans, including those who are blind or have low vision.
About CNIB
Founded in 2018, CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empowers people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast.
Media Contact
Shannon Simpson – Shannon.Simpson@cnib.ca