As part of CNIB’s strategic commitment to Safe and Accessible Journeys, we launched a series of consultations in the fall of 2024 to help shape the development of a rural transit strategy.
Through focus groups and surveys, we heard from Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision about the transportation barriers they face in rural areas of Canada, as well as their overall rural transit experiences. Their message was clear: The lack of transportation options for people living in rural areas, or gaps in existing transit systems, is a barrier to independence and inclusion for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
Transportation is more than getting from point A to point B, it’s how people get to work, school, access health care and other essential services, and stay connected to their community. Where transit is limited or non-existent, people are left isolated. Reliable transportation gives people autonomy and the freedom to fully participate in their communities and live the lives they choose.
In 2025, CNIB launched our rural advisory committee with the goal of creating resources for people advocating for greater transit access in rural areas. This toolkit is a result of that work.
What’s in this toolkit
This toolkit will provide you with information and strategies to help you advocate for rural transportation in your community.
Every community is different, so we recognize that not every strategy in this toolkit will work everywhere. That’s why we’ve included a range of resources to help you make a strong case for rural transit in your community and turn ideas into action.
Inside you’ll find:
- Messaging on the importance of transportation in rural communities for people who are blind or have low vision, which can be shared with decision makers and other stakeholders
- Examples of alternatives to traditional public transit that may be more suitable for rural areas
- Information on government responsibilities when it comes to transportation
- Strategies you can use to advocate for greater access to transportation, including a letter-writing guide, information on public speaking, and tips for interacting with the media
- A sample petition and letter that you can use as a template to meet your community’s unique needs
Download the Rural Transit Advocacy Toolkit
If you have questions about this resource, want to share your advocacy successes, or would like to provide feedback, please reach out to us at advocacy@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642