Table of Contents
1. Executive summary
In agreement with the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA) 2001
and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
2005, all public organizations within the Province are required to
prepare and post an annual accessibility plan that must be made
available to the public by September 30, 2011.
A final copy of this Accessibility Plan will be posted on the
Metrolinx and GO Transit public websites and will be available in
alternate accessible formats upon request.
Metrolinx, including its operating divisions GO Transit, PRESTO and
the Air Rail Link (ARL), is committed to making the Greater Toronto
and Hamilton Area’s (GTHA) transportation system fully accessible to
people with disabilities by 2025. Planning for universal access is
essential to the Regional Transportation Plan, The Big Move.
In addition to continuing to enhance the accessibility of the GO
Transit system, Metrolinx has started to work toward The Big Move’s
strategic objective of universal access including a coordinated
approach to specialized transportation throughout the region.
Metrolinx will also be working with other transit agencies to
develop new rapid transit services, which are being designed in
accordance with accessibility standards.
The 2011-2012 Accessibility Plan demonstrates an ongoing commitment
to improve accessibility in the GTHA transportation system. It
highlights many projects that Metrolinx has completed in 2011,
including plans to improve the accessibility of transportation
services in 2012.
Some of the 2011 highlights include:
- The procurement of
accessible conventional and specialized transit vehicles on behalf
of transit service providers in Ontario, under the Transit
Procurement Initiative (TPI) program
- The final Mobility Hub
Guidelines was made available on the Metrolinx website in February
2011
- The development of a
Generic Travel Training Program for persons with disabilities and
seniors that will assist people in using accessible conventional
transit service
- Implementation of the
PRESTO fare system at GO stations on July 13, 2011, and GO Buses and
associated facilities (e.g., terminals) on August 22, 2011, which
incorporates some accessible features
- In the spring of 2011
three Ticket Vending Machines were installed at GO locations and
internal trials are underway
- Metrolinx’s public
website www.metrolinx.com,
GO Transit’s public website,
www.gotransit.com, and PRESTO’s web site
www.prestocard.ca are
now
compliant with the most current version of the internationally
accepted Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2AA
- GO Transit participated
in the People in Motion and Connections 2011 events as exhibitors
- Malton and Clarkson
stations will be designated accessible by the end of 2011
- GO Transit developed a
Static Signage Catalogue and implementation guidelines
- Station and Railcar
Static Signage Standards were completed to increase the use of
internationally recognized pictograms and reduce the use of text.
These new standards will assist people with reduced vision and
cognitive disabilities.
- Three additional
accessible railcars were added to GO’s train fleet
- GO Transit replaced 19
of its buses with the same quantity of new lift-equipped highway
buses. Also, 31 additional lift-equipped highway coaches were added
to accommodate ridership growth in 2011.
- Bus routes 37
Orangeville (train-meet trips), 68 Barrie, and 88 Peterborough were
made accessible in 2011
- Completed a review of
AODA compliance as a basis for future planning.
Some of the 2012 highlights (and beyond) include:
- Construction of the
accessible Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown rapid transit service will
be initiated in late 2011 and completed in 2020
- A Cross-Boundary
Accessible Transit Project will produce a practical plan of action
for improving cross-boundary accessible transit services
- The accessible Air Rail
Link (ARL) will provide a premium express rail shuttle service
between Union Station and Toronto’s Pearson International Airport
and will be in operation by 2015
- Additional self service
PRESTO fare system kiosks will be explored in partnership with
transit service providers
- System-wide installation
of the next generation TVMs will occur in two phases (rail followed
by bus locations) commencing in the fall 2011
- GO Train service status
information will be provided on additional electronic signs at
stations, on GO Transit’s public website and delivered to mobile
devices by winter 2011/12
- GO Transit mobile
companion application will provide customers rail and bus schedules
and Union station (rail and bus) departure information on all major
smartphone devices
- New accessible GO
stations in Acton, Guelph, Kitchener and Allandale Waterfront will
be constructed in 2012.
- Yorkdale and York Mills
GO Bus Terminals will be made accessible in 2012
- Six remaining GO
stations and the Scarborough Town Centre GO Bus Terminal will be
made accessible by 2016/17
- Three additional
accessible railcars will be added to the fleet.
- Up to 20 additional
lift-equipped highway coaches were added to accommodate ridership
growth
Compliance status with AODA regulations:
- Metrolinx is fully
compliant with the Accessible Standards for Customer Service and
approximately 65% compliant with the Integrated Accessibility
Standards
- Development of a plan
for reaching 100% AODA compliance or better
2. Introduction
The “Ontarians with Disabilities Act (ODA), 2001” and the
“Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005”
require that Metrolinx, a public transportation agency, prepare an
annual Accessibility Plan and consult people with disabilities and
others in preparing the plan. The intent of the Accessibility Plan
is to improve accessibility opportunities for all people.
The 2011-2012 Plan describes the measures that Metrolinx has taken
in 2011 and will undertake in 2012 to identify, remove and prevent
barriers to people with disabilities. The long-term plan for the
remaining non-accessible stations is noted in Appendix 1.
2.1 Metrolinx
The Big Move, Metrolinx’s plan for
transportation in the GTHA ,
addresses universal access as one of 10 key strategies.
Priority actions to support the strategy include:
-
Creating a regional body
to advise Metrolinx on matters related to universal access
-
Developing a region-wide
strategy and local implementation strategies to improve specialized
transit coordination and delivery
As a basis for implementing this
strategy, Metrolinx has adopted the
following corporate accessibility policy:
“Metrolinx is
committed to ensuring that its services and operations
are accessible to all Ontarians, in accordance with provincial
requirements. To meet these commitments, Metrolinx will incorporate
enhanced accessibility in all additions and improvements to the
services and operations it provides.”
Metrolinx’s overall corporate direction
for planning an accessible
service has been developed to provide the “same level of service for
all people,” disabled or ambulatory, in an integrated environment,
to the greatest degree possible.
Metrolinx provides policy and planning for the GTHA. Transit
services in this area are delivered by 9 conventional and 9
specialized municipal service providers.
Fulfillment of Metrolinx’s corporate direction is achieved and
sustained through operational policy, regulations and through staff
training and awareness programs implemented throughout the
organization. Regionally, Metrolinx provides leadership and
targeted technical support to the service delivery agencies in the
GTHA.
Metrolinx’s accessibility goals, including those of its operating
divisions (GO Transit, PRESTO and the Air Rail Link) are to:
-
Improve methods of
assisting passengers with disabilities in a way that maintains their
dignity and demonstrates the organization’s respect for them
-
Promote self-reliance
and dignity for all members of its workforce, as it does with
passengers
Metrolinx provides equal employment
opportunities without
discrimination in the job competition process and adheres to the
Ontario Human Rights Code.
Metrolinx also provides accessible
workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities on a
case-by-case basis through individual ergonomic assessments,
building and modifying work areas, and/or modified work duties.
2.2 GO Transit
GO Transit, a division of Metrolinx,
provides equipment and
station features (see Appendix 2), as well as policies and staff
training, that enable people with mobility disabilities (for
example, passengers who use wheeled mobility aids [WMAs] such as
wheelchairs or scooters) to use GO Transit services on a self-serve
basis, either independently or with the assistance of a travelling
companion.
This self-serve approach is designed to allow passengers with
disabilities to use the system at their own convenience with
independence and dignity. This approach is consistent with the ODA,
AODA and the Ontario Human Rights Code.
GO Transit monitors passenger feedback and conducts periodic reviews
of existing accessible services and facilities. Any required
enhancements or improvements are implemented as quickly as resources
allow.
GO Trains and GO Buses serve a population of more than five million
in an 8,000-square-kilometre area extending from downtown Toronto to
Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Milton, Guelph and Waterloo to the west;
Orangeville, Barrie and Beaverton to the north; Stouffville,
Uxbridge, Port Perry and Peterborough to the north-east; and Oshawa
and Newcastle to the east. GO connects with every municipal transit
system in the GTHA, including the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
GO’s seven train lines are: Lakeshore
West, Milton, Georgetown,
Barrie, Richmond Hill, Stouffville and Lakeshore East. At peak
rush-hour periods, train service is available at all stations. Where
possible, accessible rail and bus service is being expanded.
The number of people with mobility
issues and/or hidden disabilities
who use GO Transit is difficult to determine. On average, GO Transit
passengers using WMAs typically take up to about 50 trips per
weekday on GO Train services system wide, and up to about 20 trips
per weekday on GO’s existing accessible bus routes.
A broad indicator of GO Transit use by
persons with a disability is
the high utilization rate of designated accessible parking spaces at
GO Transit stations. As awareness of these services grows, ridership
may increase for people using WMAs. People with various disabilities
are increasingly using GO Transit for daily commuting, recreation,
shopping and personal appointments.
It is estimated that
approximately 20 per cent of people in the GTHA will have a
disability within the next two decades. As a result, reliance on
public transportation will grow as more people with disabilities use
it because of its availability and ease of use rather than using
other forms of private or personal transportation. GO Transit,
through its Accessibility Plans, will work to ensure that this
demand is accommodated.
2.3 Air Rail Link (ARL)
The Air Rail Link is an operating
division of Metrolinx. In July
2010, the Ontario Government asked Metrolinx to build, own and
operate the ARL from Union Station to Pearson Airport. The Air Rail
Link (ARL) will provide a premium express rail shuttle service
between Union Station and Pearson Airport and will be in operation
by 2015.
All ARL stations will be equipped with
a variety of easier access
features, similar to GO Stations. In addition, vehicles will be
equipped with two designated seating areas to accommodate passengers
using wheeled mobility aids, similar to GO Buses.
2.4 PRESTO
PRESTO, an operating division of
Metrolinx, is an electronic fare
system that allows transit users to move within and between
participating transit systems with a single reloadable smart card.
The PRESTO fare system acts as a central service bureau that
provides eTransit fare and information management systems that
improve client service while enabling revenue collection and
efficient operations for Ontario transit agencies.
3. External and internal committees
3.1 Metrolinx Accessibility Advisory Committee
In February 2009, the Metrolinx Board
of Directors approved the
establishment of an Accessibility Advisory Committee (AAC). The AAC
replaced the Accessibility Advisory Working Group, which provided
advice during the development of The Big Move regional
transportation plan.
The focus of the Metrolinx AAC is of a regional nature related to
accessibility including the implementation of The Big Move;
cross-boundary service and fare coordination; implementation of the
AODA; and initiatives to enhance accessible regional transportation.
The Metrolinx AAC is composed of individuals with expertise and
experience related to accessible transportation, with representation
from across the region. Members include both consumers and
providers of specialized and accessible conventional transit
services, and also include senior citizens and people with a range
of disabilities. Metrolinx staff act as a resource to the AAC.
3.2 GO Transit Accessibility Advisory Committee
This committee is comprised of people
with various disabilities
from various locations across GO Transit’s service area. The
committee representatives have extensive experience and involvement
with public and private sector advisory boards and standards and
guidelines development committees. The committee also includes
representatives from parallel transit services (regional/municipal
transit carriers for people with disabilities), as well as
participants from the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO),
the CNIB and the Canadian Hearing Society.
The External Advisory Committee has provided valuable direction
through its review of and comment on the components of GO Transit’s
rail and bus accessibility program. The program encompasses
facilities, equipment, service design, policy-related issues, staff
training and passenger information guides. The committee’s input has
been extremely useful in verifying the practicality and/or necessity
of planned measures for providing accessibility.
GO Transit’s External Advisory Committee currently includes persons
with a range of disabilities including:
-
Non-ambulatory
-
Partially ambulatory
-
Visual impairments
-
Hearing impairmentsGuide
or skills dog users
3.3 Metrolinx/GO Transit Internal Accessibility
Coordinating Committee
The Metrolinx/GO Transit Internal
Coordinating Committee
undertakes the development of facility and service accessibility
improvements and the detailed development of the Annual
Accessibility Plan. This committee includes staff representatives
from the following divisions/departments:
-
ARL
-
Bus Services
-
Capital Infrastructure
-
Customer Service
-
Fare Systems
-
Human Resources
-
Rail Services
-
Policy, Planning and
Innovation
-
PRESTO
-
Strategic Communications
The above representatives collectively
have an understanding of:
-
Metrolinx’s services,
facilities, equipment, by-laws, legislative policies, procurement
programs and practices.
-
Metrolinx’s annual
business and capital-planning cycles to ensure that accessibility
planning is incorporated into annual planning as required.
The role
of the Internal Coordinating Committee is to identify transit
accessibility opportunities and plan and recommend a feasible range
of measures, solutions and policies.
3.4 Joint Committee meetings
The External Advisory Committee and GO Transit’s Internal Coordinating Committee meet annually to review each annual Accessibility Plan. The Accessibility Plan is essentially based on the updates provided during this meeting.
4. Accessibility Plan reporting
Each of the Accessibility Plan’s key initiatives is reported in two parts: past and future. The first part summarizes the initiatives of the current year (2011), including changes to identified measures and additional information. The second part identifies the planned initiatives for the coming year (2012).
5. Measures taken to enhance universal accessibility and services in 2011
This section addresses the status of the initiatives that were documented in the Metrolinx/GO Transit Accessibility Plan for 2010 and 2011. Many of the initiatives from the 2010 and 2011 Plan have already been completed or will be completed before the end of the year with relatively few exceptions.
5.1 Metrolinx initiatives
5.1.1 Joint procurement of accessible transit vehicles under the Transit Procurement Initiative (TPI) Program
On behalf of 12 participating transit service providers in
Ontario, Metrolinx has facilitated the joint procurement of 287
12-metre low-floor conventional transit vehicles that will be
delivered between 2011 and 2013. This follows the previous TPI
procurement of 12 and 9-metre low-floor buses that helped
deliver 263 buses to 14 municipalities.
Metrolinx has also organized joint procurements for 8-metre
high-floor and low-floor specialized transit vehicles, resulting
in the procurement of 37 vehicles for 13 transit service
providers and non-profits, with the vehicles to be delivered in
the second half of 2011.
Vehicles procured under the TPI program incorporate features
designed to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities
and seniors. The TPI program has resulted in procurement and
unit cost savings for conventional and specialized transit
vehicles, as well as improved product quality.
Conventional transit vehicle
Specialized transit vehicle
5.1.2 Mobility Hub Guidelines
As outlined in Strategy #7 of Metrolinx’s Regional
Transportation Plan, The Big Move, key transit stations across
the GTHA will become mobility hubs, where transportation modes,
including rapid transit, local transit service, cycling and
accessible pedestrian networks come together seamlessly.
Mobility hubs are focal points for major destinations such as
offices, hospitals, educational facilities and government
services. They offer amenities to travellers such as heated
waiting areas, traveller information centres, cafés or
restaurants, and services like daycares, grocery stores or post
offices.
The Mobility Hub Guidelines are intended to shape planning and
development at mobility hubs in the GTHA. The guidelines focus
on creating successful mobility hubs, and address topics such as
transit station design, station circulation and access, transit
passenger information and wayfinding, land use and urban design
surrounding rapid transit stations, and funding and
implementation.
The users of these guidelines will include Metrolinx employees,
municipal land use and transportation planners, transit
operators, real estate developers and other professionals in the
fields of land use and transportation.
Accessibility and barrier-free design is an important part of
the scope of the guidelines, and the Metrolinx Accessibility
Advisory Committee was consulted in their development. The
guidelines directly treat accessibility not only as a crucial
component of transit station design, but also in transfers
between modes, and overall movement of people throughout
mobility hubs.
Examples of accessibility related guidelines and approaches in
the document include:
-
Build and retrofit
the pedestrian environment to meet or exceed accessibility
guidelines and standards
-
Create
understandable and accessible transit stations through
consistency and clarity in station entrances and interfaces,
spaces, layout and visual cues connected by barrier-free
movement spaces
-
Provide accessible wayfinding features throughout transit stations to assist
persons with disabilities
-
Create clear, direct
and short transfers between transit modes and routes, including
accessible, conventional and specialized transit
-
Consider the
provision of facilities for specialized transit services to
assist in the coordination of inter-regional travel for persons
with disabilities
5.1.3 Generic travel
training program
Travel training programs are used by transit service providers and other agencies to prepare people to safely and comfortably use accessible conventional transit services on their own.
Travel training assists people who are new to accessible conventional transit services but are able to use conventional transit with little to no assistance. By introducing them to the service and addressing their specific requirements, people can begin travelling on transit with greater confidence, and reduced likelihood of encountering unexpected challenges. People who are able to use accessible conventional transit achieve a greater level of independence, and are able to travel more spontaneously, than when using specialized services.
Based on strong consensus from municipal and non-profit stakeholders, Metrolinx is leading the development of a generic travel training program for the GTHA and beyond. Metrolinx hired a consultant, who is working with the guidance of a steering committee including representatives of the accessibility community and service providers. GO Transit Accessibility Advisory Committees are also involved in the development of the program.
The completed program will be available to municipal transit agencies to tailor with specific local information. The program may then be delivered directly by the transit agency or through partnerships with community organizations.
5.2 PRESTO initiatives

PRESTO Card
The Government of Ontario, GO Transit, eight municipal transit systems in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area and Ottawa, have partnered to introduce PRESTO – a new electronic fare system. PRESTO uses the latest technology to make it easier to pay fare while traveling within and between transit systems by the simple tap of a card. The system calculates the trip’s fare and deducts it from the balance stored on the card – all in less than a second.
In 2011, PRESTO was successfully implemented on the entire GO Transit network. More specifically, implementation of the PRESTO System was completed at GO stations on July 13, and on GO Buses and at associated facilities, such as bus terminals, on August 22. PRESTO is also available on municipal transit systems in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Brampton, TTC (12 Stations), York Region and Durham Region.
Having PRESTO widely available enables GO passengers to take advantage of discounted co-fares when transferring to or from a municipal transit agency to the GO Transit system.
One of the accessibility features of the PRESTO fare system is a self-service kiosk pilot project at Union Station. This kiosk allows passengers to pay a fare, check their e-purse balance and reload the card with a cash value. The PRESTO project team convened an accessibility advisory group test panel which was made up of passengers who have a range of disabilities. The group was provided with a value loaded PRESTO card for use in the live transit environment. The recommendations from the test panel provide important input for the future development of PRESTO and the next generation of devices.
5.2.1 PRESTO accessibility features
PRESTO was designed with a focus on customer service and accessibility. With PRESTO, managing fares on public transit has become more accessible with more options, alternatives, and convenience.
-
A contact-less card that does not need to be taken out of a wallet, purse or bag to be read by devices
-
Three different message channels when interacting with a system device - screen messaging, lights and clearly audible sounds
-
The ability to load a card or check a card balance in four different ways - autoload, PRESTO website, Call Centre and in-person with customer service agents
-
The PRESTO website was originally designed to meet Web Content Accessibility (WCAG) 1.0 and has since been improved to WCAG 2.0 AA standards
-
American Sign Language videos with audio commentary are on the PRESTO website to assist customers in using their PRESTO card
PRESTO and its transit partners have worked closely with leading accessibility experts, transit authorities, municipalities and customers in developing the PRESTO fare card system. The following improvements were made based on feedback collected from these groups:
-
Raised the height of buttons and tactile embossed symbols
-
Graphic sizing was increased to meet accessible standards
-
Card "tap" area now protrudes from the device itself
-
Improved device screen contrast
-
Device messaging displayed longer
-
Text is provided in short messaging, featured in a font and size that meet accessibility standards
-
Clearer and differentiated sound bites with confirmation from the Canadian Hearing Society
5.3 GO Transit initiatives
5.3.1 GO Ticket Vending Machines
In early 2010, Metrolinx approved a new project to install 120 new GO ticket vending machines (TVMs). The new devices will replace the existing TVMs and offer a significantly improved customer experience allowing riders to purchase full trips across the GO Transit service area. These devices will also be equipped with some of the most comprehensive accessibility features available in the industry.
In the spring of 2011, three TVMs were installed at Metrolinx offices in preparation for internal field trials. An opportunity for a subset of the GO Accessibility Advisory Committee to interact with the TVMs will occur following the completion of field trials. Systemwide installation of the TVMs will occur in two phases (rail followed by bus locations) commencing in the fall 2011.
In 2011, design feedback from the Customer Service Advisory Committee (CSAC) and AAC in late 2010 has been integrated into the TVM solution and will be available for launch.
Below are some of the key accessibility features of the new TVMs:
-
Text synthesis (text to speech reading) through audio jack in French and English
-
Mid-frequency sound queues for those with hearing loss
-
Four-corner touch screen operation with audio aid
-
Tilted screen
-
Bright screen for better usability in outdoor lighting
-
Tactile PIN pad
-
User interface with buttons in consistent locations screen to screen
-
Operation without tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist
-
Cabinet designed to be held onto or leaned upon with no sharp edges or corners
-
No obstructions around the screen
-
Screen viewable in standing and sitting positions
-
Can be operated from a wheelchair from the side or head-on
-
Receipt tray for use with limited motor control
The images below illustrate TVM compliance with both the ADA and CSA standards for optimal height.
(Note: the final device will look slightly different)
Sample image of the TVM Audio Jack
(Located between touch screen and ticket/change return tray)
Sample TVM welcome screen below
(Note: low-vision mode selection button located in bottom right corner)
Sample low-vision TVM screen illustrating four-corner touch navigation
5.3.2 Customer information
Website accessibility
The Metrolinx and GO Transit websites are fully compliant with the most current version of international accessibility design developed by the World Wide Consortium (W3C), referred to as Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Version 2AA. Electronic materials have been made available in multiple formats to ensure better access for persons with disabilities.
Metrolinx website homepage (www.metrolinx.com)
GO Transit website homepage (www.gotransit.com)
Accessibility page on gotransit.com
The accessibility page on gotransit.com will be updated by the end of 2011 to include new content and updated information regarding accessible services customers can expect across the GO system.
Priority seating communications campaign
In April 2011, a communications campaign was launched to re-acquaint GO Train passengers with how priority seating works. New decals and signs were mounted on the accessible railcars requiring passengers to make a seat available to a passenger with a disability or a physical limitation.
The new priority seating decal is larger and easier to see. It lets passengers know where priority seats are on trains. The decals and signs are for passengers using wheeled mobility aids. Priority seating is available on all GO Trains and GO Buses.
An E-News message was sent out about the new decals, CSA announcements were made on trains and new information was added to the Accessibility web page on gotransit.com.
5.3.3 Public Events
GO Transit participated in the annual Connections 2011 event held at the Mississauga Convention Centre and the annual People in Motion event, held in the Queen Elizabeth building at Exhibition Place.
During both events, GO employees were present to answer questions and demonstrate the accessibility features of the MCI highway bus and available to answer questions and promote GO Transit accessible services.
Accessibility Guides and public timetables were distributed at both of these events and GO was promoted as an accessible public transportation option for customers with disabilities. The two events had a very good public turnout.GO Transit will be delivering two presentations at the CNIB Fall Conference in October 2011. Topics include GO’s new mobile application and the enhanced accessibility features of the new ticket vending machines.
5.3.4 GO Infrastructure
Completed and planned work for the following new and existing stations will enable them to be designated accessible before the end of 2011.
New accessible GO Stations
Clarkson - Lakeshore West corridor
The first phase of this project, which focused on north platform improvements and included platform rehabilitation, new tunnel and elevators, was completed in March 2010. Although the centre rail platform is now accessible from the north parking only, the next phase (south platform improvements) is planned for completion in winter 2011/12, at which time the station will be designated as accessible.
Malton - Georgetown corridor
This project involved the construction of a new south platform, new west tunnel, new platform canopies and shelters, and an elevator and staircase from the east tunnel to the new south platform. These improvements were originally expected to be completed in fall 2009, however due to the constraints and unpredictability of winter construction and other unforeseen circumstances (such as electrical deficiencies, and delays in elevator commissioning and longer than expected lead-times for the delivery on platform/tunnel signage) the project was completed in January 2011.
Accessibility improvements to existing accessible GO Stations
Brampton - Georgetown corridor
The projects at this station, completed in June 2011, include a new accessible south platform, snowmelt system, canopy and shelters, a new west tunnel and the reconfiguration of the existing east tunnel to provide elevator access to both platforms.
Mount Joy - Stouffville corridor
A parking lot expansion is scheduled to be completed in fall 2011, which will result in additional barrier-free parking spaces.
Pickering - Lakeshore East corridor
This station rehabilitation project includes additional accessibility features such as accessible ticket counters, elevator access to both tunnels from the station building and barrier-free washrooms. The project was completed in March 2011.
Improved Transit Integration
Kipling Inter-Regional Bus Terminal
Kipling Inter-Regional Bus Terminal is a planned new joint facility for use by GO Transit, TTC and Mississauga Transit. The plan includes a new terminal building with accessible ticket booths and washrooms, elevators, barrier-free parking and Kiss & Ride lanes. A new project completion date has yet to be determined.
New accessible GO Train stations
By the end of 2012, it is
anticipated that 57 out of 63 (or 90 per cent) of all GO Transit
train stations will be designated accessible. Please see the
accompanying table and map for details.
Accessible GO Transit train stations
Lakeshore
East |
Lakeshore
West |
Milton |
Georgetown |
Barrie |
Richmond
Hill |
Stouffville |
Oshawa |
Exhibition |
Dixie |
Weston |
York University |
Oriole |
Kennedy |
Whitby |
Port Credit |
Cooksville |
Etobicoke North |
Rutherford |
Old Cummer |
Agincourt |
Ajax |
Clarkson |
Erindale |
Malton |
Maple |
Langstaff |
Milliken |
Pickering |
Oakville |
Streetsville |
Bramalea |
King City |
Richmond Hill |
Unionville |
Rouge Hill |
Bronte |
Meadowvale |
Brampton |
Aurora |
|
Centennial |
Guildwood |
Appleby |
Lisgar |
Mount Pleasant |
Newmarket |
|
Markham |
Scarborough |
Burlington |
Milton |
Acton |
East Gwillimbury |
|
Mount Joy |
Danforth |
Aldershot |
|
Guelph |
Bradford |
|
Stouffville |
|
Hamilton GO Centre |
|
Kitchener |
Barrie South |
|
Lincolnville |
|
|
|
|
Allandale Waterfront |
|
|
Station names in bold font and highlighted in green are were/will
be designated accessible in 2011.
Station names in bold font and highlighted in red are planned to be
designated accessible in 2012.
** Areas within Union Station that are
used by GO Transit (i.e., GO Concourse, ticket sales and customer
service centre, elevators to access train services, train platforms,
building entrances and washrooms) are accessible (see
www.gotransit.com for further accessibility details).
2011 and 2012 accessible GO Train stations
On-street bus stop upgrades
Concrete pads were constructed at Keele Street and Great Gulf Drive
stops to improve accessibility. All on-street stops on Route 65
Barrie will also be made accessible by the end of 2011.
GO Transit will continue to work with municipal transit agencies to
expand accessible service on bus routes and at bus stop locations
that are currently listed as not accessible.
Static signage
Standard (static) signage catalogue
A project to address the development of a new standard signage
catalogue, complete with accompanying guide within the corporate
brand standards for placement and installation of static
wayfinding/signage,
was completed in January 2011.
The catalogue is comprised of a consistent family of products for
application across all station types and is intended to ensure that
all signs be maintainable, durable and cost effective
The catalogue was developed with the following considerations in
mind:
-
Address the needs of
customers with reduced vision and cognitive disabilities.
-
Compliance with existing
regulations (ODA, AODA, Ontario Building Code (OBC), French Language
Services Act) and corporate brand standards
-
Reduce/consolidate
existing signs
-
Categorization of sign
types by colour (e,g., regulatory signage is red; accessibility
signage is blue; warning is yellow; customer information is pink
etc. )
-
Use of internationally
recognized and/or standard pictograms
-
Reduce, and where
possible, simplify text
-
Consistent appearance
and placement
-
Conform to Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) and CNIB recommendations for use of colour contrast (minimum 70 per cent contrast between background
colour and sign graphics), character height/viewing distances,
capitalization of text (upper/lower case) and simplified graphics.
System-wide station signage replacement is scheduled to commence in
2012/2013 and priority will be given to stations with the greatest
needs based on existing signage conditions.
Union Station
Static signage in Union Station will be replaced as part of the
station infrastructure improvement program. The new signs will
address GO Transit customer needs as well as heritage requirements
and the needs of VIA Rail and the City of Toronto. Design of signage
and wayfinding requirements associated with GO Transit and VIA
concourse areas, as part of Union Station Revitalization project,
has commenced in summer 2011.
GO and York Region Transit (YRT) bus stop sign conversion
project
Combination bus stop signs (signs shared by YRT and GO
Transit) have continued to be replaced with separate bus stop signs
which share a common pole. Additionally, this project has involved
the conversion of flag bus stop locations into regular service
locations. As a result, customers will no longer need to flag GO
Transit Buses, eliminating a barrier to service use.
New GO Bus stop sign (on right)
5.3.5 Rail and bus equipment
Accessible railcars
GO Transit currently operates a fleet of 47 accessible railcars with
three more on order for delivery in late 2011, bringing the total to
50.
The fifth coach from the locomotive on a GO Train is always a fully
wheelchair-accessible coach and can accommodate up to eight mobility
devices.
At an accessible station, it is positioned adjacent to the
mini-platform to enable level boarding with the use of a manually
positioned platform bridge plate across the gap. A Customer Service
Ambassador (CSA) is also stationed in this coach.
Accessible bi-level railcar
New-generation standard railcars
By the end of 2011, GO Transit expects to acquire an additional 20
new-generation standard bi-level railcars, increasing the number of
these vehicles to 38 per cent of the total railcar fleet (196 out of
515 railcars). All new railcars will be equipped with the additional
easier-access features as noted on pages 23 to 29 of this report.
Of all the 20 railcars currently on order, three are accessible
cars, bringing the total number of accessible cars in the fleet to
50. All the new cars will have automatic end doors, allowing them to
be opened at the push of a button, making it easier to move between
coaches in the train.
Railcar refurbishment program
Older coaches in the fleet go through a periodic refurbishment
program to extend their life and renew worn-out components,
including the interior furnishings.
During this process, the following accessibility features are added:
-
Non-slip colour contrast
flooring and photo-luminescent markings on floors, walls, stairs and
doors
-
Yellow photo-luminescent
stair edge mouldings and markings throughout the railcar (as
described above)
-
Door recycling function
-
Brighter glare-free
general interior lighting
-
Brighter interior
stairwell and exterior door step lighting
-
Additional low-level
emergency alarm strips in the accessible washroom
As of December 2010, 114 coaches have gone through the refurbishment
program since 2004.
Railcar signage review
This signage initiative is intended to effectively reduce and
simplify signs in train coaches, making the signs easier to read and
understand, and using pictograms to replace words where possible. In
addition, signs will be bilingual.
Upon completion of the initial signage concepts package, a full
mock-up of an accessible car was completed in April 2010 at the
Willowbrook Maintenance Facility. Members of the GO Accessibility
Advisory Committee and the Customer Service Advisory Committee were
invited together with GO Management and relevant stakeholders within
the organization for an opportunity to view and comment on the
proposed new signage.
In general, the new designs were well received with constructive
comments and suggestions from all parties. All of the signs were
thoroughly assessed and where practical, suitable design changes
were carried out.
The process began February 2011, and is anticipated to be completed
by spring 2013.
New lift-equipped buses
In 2011, GO Transit replaced 19 of its buses with the same quantity
of new lift-equipped highway buses. Also, 31 additional
lift-equipped highway coaches were added to accommodate ridership
growth. This increased the total accessible bus fleet size to 412 -
390 highway buses and 22 double decker buses.
Double-decker (highway) buses
GO Transit’s existing double-decker buses are equipped with two
wheelchair positions and a hydraulic folding ramp and incorporate
all the same accessibility features as the existing accessible
fleet, including:
-
Powder-coated yellow
handrails
-
Yellow step tread nosing
-
Exterior door flood
light
-
Grab handles located at
both wheelchair locations
-
Customer “stop request”
touch tape located at both wheelchair locations
-
Large LED front and side
destination signs
-
Public address system
Highway coach equipment improvements
A new lift will be installed on
31 highway coaches by the end of 2011 and 27 additional coaches by
the end of 2012. In addition to the features that are
available on our existing lifts, these lifts offer a longer (one
piece) roll stop, longer hand rails and integrated side enclosures.
They also perform with a greater reliability, and as such will be
installed on future highway coach bus purchases.
Existing lift
New lift
Existing roll stop
Hinged roll stop extension
As a result, existing Ricon lifts on our highway coaches are being retrofitted with a hinged roll stop extension that will allow customers using the lift to board and deboard with greater ease at bus stops and platform surfaces that over time become uneven.
By the end of 2011 it is anticipated that approximately 100 of these lifts will receive this modification and by 2012 the remainder of the highway coach fleet using this lift will be completed.
Track covers:
Existing track cover
The track covers are needed to prevent dirt and debris from collecting inside the tracks which could prevent the Priority Seats to be folded and moved by the driver to clear the wheeled mobility aid securement area.
The existing covers must be manually removed using a flat screw driver and later replaced when the seats are restored to their standard position. The covers are sometimes misplaced or not reinserted.
Slide-on track cover
The slide-on track cover, which fastens to the Priority Seating frame is automatically pulled out of the track as the seats are moved to access the wheeled mobility aid securement area and are similarly repositioned into the tracks when the seats are moved back to their standard position. This new slide cover will be installed on all GO highway coaches by the end of 2011.
Priority seating:
Priority seating decal location
To increase customer awareness regarding the existence of Priority Seating the phrase “Please vacate on request” was stitched onto the upper portion of the seat backrests using high contrast colours.
Complementary Priority Seating information on seat back rest (curb-side view)
Complementary Priority Seating information on seat back rest (driver's side view)
A yellow overhead light was also placed above each of the two Priority Seating areas to draw further attention to Priority Seating.
Overhead lights (curb-side view)
Overhead lights (driver’s side view)
It is anticipated that approximately 50 highway coaches will be equipped with these additional Priority Seating features by the end of 2011.
Accessibility and lift information decals
It is anticipated that approximately 50 highway coaches will be equipped with these additional Priority Seating features by the end of 2011.
5.3.6 Bus Services
Accessible bus routes
Currently, GO Transit operates a total of 42 bus routes; 24 (57 per
cent) are accessible while 18 (43 per cent) are non-accessible. The
overall number of routes may vary slightly due to seasonal service
demands across the network.
This represents over 70 per cent of all GO Bus trips, including
weekdays, weekends and holidays. Routes 37 Orangeville (train-meet
trips), 68 Barrie and 88 Peterborough were made accessible in 2011.
The following is a listing of GO Bus routes that are currently
accessible:
-
Niagara Falls GO Bus
(bus stops include: Niagara Falls - St. Catharines – Grimsby -
Stoney Creek - Burlington) Route 12
-
Hamilton QEW GO Bus (bus
stops include: Hamilton – Toronto Union) - Route 16
-
Oakville Highway 403 GO
Bus (bus stops include: Oakville – Square One - Yonge and Sheppard -
Finch) - Route 19
-
Milton GO Bus (bus stops
include: Milton – Lisgar – Meadowvale - Streetsville – Square One –
Dixie – Toronto Union) - Route 21
-
Waterloo GO Bus (bus
stops include: University of Waterloo – Kitchener- Aberfoyle –
Milton – Square One) - Route 25
-
Milton Highway 401 GO
Bus (bus stops include: Milton – Meadowvale – Yonge and Sheppard –
Finch) - Route 27
-
University of Guelph GO
Bus (bus stops include: University of Guelph – Aberfoyle – Square
One) - Route 29
-
Georgetown GO Bus (bus
stops include: Georgetown – Mount Pleasant - Brampton – Bramalea –
Malton – Toronto Union) - Route 31 (non-train meet trips only)
-
Orangeville GO Bus (bus
stops include: Orangeville – Brampton) - Route 37
-
Pearson Airport –
Richmond Hill Centre GO Bus (bus stops include: Richmond Hill Centre
– Toronto Pearson International Airport) - Route 40
-
Highway 407 West GO Bus Streetsville to York University (bus stops include: Streetsville –
Square One – York University) - Route 45
-
Highway 407 West GO Bus Streetsville to York University (bus stops include: Oakville –
Sheridan College -- Square One – Bramalea – York University) -
Route 46
-
Highway 407 West GO Bus
Hamilton to York University (bus stops include: Hamilton – McMaster
University – Burlington – Bronte - Oakville – Square One – Bramalea
– York University) - Route 47
-
Highway 407 West GO Bus
University of Guelph to York University (bus stops include:
University of Guelph – Aberfoyle – Meadowvale – Bramalea – Vaughan -
York University) - Route 48
-
Highway 407 East GO Bus
- Mount Joy GO Station to York University (bus stops include:
York University – Unionville – Markham GO Station – Mount Joy
GO Station) - Route 54
-
Richmond Hill GO Bus
(bus stops include: Richmond Hill – Oriole – Old Cummer – Toronto
Union) - Route 61
-
King City GO Station to
Union Station (bus stops include: Maple GO Station – Rutherford GO
Station - Union Station) - Route 63
-
Newmarket Terminal to
Union Station (bus stops include: East Gwillimbury GO Station -
Newmarket GO Station - Aurora Carpool Lot – Union Station) - Route
65
-
Barrie – Bradford GO Bus
(bus stops include: Barrie – Stroud – Churchill – Bradford – Newmarket GO Bus Terminal) - Route 68
-
Uxbridge to Union GO Bus
(bus stops include: Lincolnville - Stouffville – Mount Joy - Markham
– Unionville – Toronto Union) - Route 71
-
Peterborough to Oshawa
GO Station (Bus stops include: Trent University - Peterborough Bus
Terminal - Peterborough carpool lot - Cavan/Millbrook carpool lot -
Clarington North carpool lot - Oshawa GO Station) – Route 88
-
Oshawa to Yorkdale GO
Bus (bus stops include: Oshawa – Whitby – Ajax –North Rouge) - Route
94
-
Oshawa to Finch GO Bus -
(bus stops include: Oshawa – Whitby – Ajax – Yonge and Sheppard -
Finch) - Route 95
-
Oshawa to Finch GO Bus - (bus stops include: Oshawa
– Whitby – Ajax – Yonge and Sheppard - Finch) - Route 96
Map of accessible GO Transit bus services
5.3.7 Continued front-line
staff* training
Accessibility refresher training
for Bus Drivers and other front-line staff*
The accessibility refresher training
program for all GO Transit
bus drivers and route supervisors covers the same topics and content
as the initial accessibility training program. This includes a
review of accessible features, policies and procedures, such as the
operation of the lifts on all types of lift-equipped buses, and the
securement of customers using WMAs along with their WMAs.
All existing drivers have completed the initial training session,
and ongoing refresher training will take place on a three-year
cycle.
Accessibility refresher training for all other front-line staff and
supervisors takes place every three to five years depending on the
level of expected direct interaction with customers and/or employees
with disabilities. This training program is also provided as
individual training needs are identified.
*NOTE: Front-line staff include: station attendants, transit safety
officers, customer attendants and customer contact staff (i.e.
telephone information guides and supervisors).
Accessibility re-familiarization training for bus drivers
Onsite accessibility refresher training is conducted several days
prior to the launch of any new accessible bus route at the garage
where the route originates. Training is conducted with the specific
type(s) of lift-equipped bus(es) that will be used on the route.
All accessibility-related procedures and equipment are reviewed with
the drivers and route supervisors, with particular emphasis on
customer boarding, deboarding and securement.
Sensitivity training program
All front-line Metrolinx employees receive a half-day sensitivity
training session from the Special Needs Module contained within the
Customer Service Program Excellence (Transit Ambassador) course.
In addition to the above training bus drivers also receive a further
half-day session on accessibility training related to lift equipped
buses, lifts, securement and sensitivity awareness.
Metrolinx
employees who are responsible for or have an impact on any policies
or programs that may affect customers with disabilities are required
to take a Ministry endorsed customer service, hosted, online
program.
6. Measures planned to enhance
universal accessibility and services in 2012
6.1 Metrolinx initiatives
6.1.1 Regional Rapid
Transit Service
Under a new delivery model, regional
rapid transit systems,
currently the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown light rail train in the
City of Toronto, are being constructed in close partnership with the
local municipality.
These facilities are being funded and overseen by Metrolinx, while
the municipality provides the design, construction, and ultimately
the operation of service in accordance with Memoranda of
Understanding with Metrolinx.
It is anticipated that the ECLRT will be initiated in 2011 and
completed in 2020.
The vehicles are being designed in general
accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Accessibility Specifications for Transportation Vehicles and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Regulations.
Partial profile view of LRT vehicle
The following are some of the
accessibility features of these
vehicles:
Wheelchair accessibility
The Wheeled Mobility Aid space is compliant with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) at 30” x 48” (760mm x 1220mm), and each LRT
vehicle is able to accommodate four wheelchairs.
Signage will be posted to identify the wheelchair or mobility aid
seating locations. Flip seats are provided to provide more space
within the wheelchair area.
Wheeled Mobility Aid (WMA) locations
Close up of WMA locations
Passenger emergency intercom (PEI)
The PEI is located beside the WMA and the switch is fully
accessible. When the PEI switch is activated due to an emergency the
passenger could request for assistance from the operator. Please see
the diagram below.
Stop request
A passenger stop request system will be provided to the passenger to
alert the operator that a stop has been requested. The stop request
is being confirmed audibly and visually to the passenger that a stop
request was made.
Passenger alarm strip
Passenger alarm strips are located over the length of the vehicle.
The strips are different from the stop request devices. The touch
sensitive strip is located out of the way enough to prevent
accidental use, but remain within access to all passengers,
including passengers using WMAs.
Emergency exits
The vehicle doors are the primary means of exit for the operator and
passengers as well as for first response personnel, such as
Emergency Medical Services, firefighters and police. Each side door
is equipped with a sealed emergency release mechanism. The door
release is easily visible and within reach of standing and
passengers using WMAs.
Simple bilingual (English/French), Braille
instructions and easy to understand symbols are provided at each
emergency door release mechanism location along with emergency exit
instructions.
6.1.2 New joint procurement
of specialized transit vehicles
As described in the previous section of
this Accessibility Plan,
Metrolinx has facilitated joint procurements for eight-metre
high-floor and low-floor specialized transit vehicles for transit
service providers and non-profit agencies around Ontario. Metrolinx
will initiate a new procurement of eight-metre high-floor and
low-floor specialized transit vehicles in late 2011.
It is expected
that a wider choice of low-floor vehicles will be available from
current manufacturers. Additionally, the new procurement will
result in a longer contract duration, which will mean less time
spent in the procurement process.
6.1.3 Generic Travel
Training
Metrolinx will complete the development
of a Generic Travel
Training program for persons with disabilities and seniors, as
described in the previous section of the Accessibility Plan.
Metrolinx will continue to work with other agencies, and the
Metrolinx and GO Transit Accessibility Advisory Committees, in the
completion of the program. Once the program is fully developed in
late 2011, it will be made available to transit agencies in Ontario.
6.1.4 Cross-Boundary
Accessible Transit Project
Strategy #8 from The Big Move is a Plan
for Universal Access. One
of its Priority Actions (8.2) is to “develop a region-wide strategy
and local implementation strategies to improve specialized transit
coordination and delivery.”
Several earlier studies have investigated the challenges to
cross-boundary travel on specialized transit services, including a
2009 Metrolinx document titled, “Service Coordination for
Specialized Transit in the GTHA – Status Report.” These
documents provide an overview of current specialized transit
services, and identified items such as differences in booking
arrangements, eligibility criteria, transfer locations and
inconsistent policies as difficulties facing the cross-boundary
traveller.
This project will work to reduce or remove these barriers
to cross-boundary travel on specialized transit services, and will
produce a practical plan of action and begin implementation where
feasible. The process will include extensive involvement of transit
service providers and the Metrolinx and GO Accessibility Advisory
Committees. This project will also work to develop improved
coordination between the existing specialized transit services and
accessible conventional services where appropriate, throughout the
GTHA.
6.2 Air Rail Link (ARL) initiatives
The Air Rail Link is an operating
division of Metrolinx. In July
2010, the Ontario Government asked Metrolinx to build, own and
operate the ARL from Union Station to Toronto’s Pearson
International Airport. The Air Rail Link (ARL) will provide a
premium express rail shuttle service between Union Station and
Pearson Airport and will be in operation by 2015.
When fully completed, the ARL stations will include a station
building with a passenger waiting area and accessible washrooms
within the GO stations, (except at Pearson International Airport
where they will be in the nearby Terminal 1). The stations will also
include barrier-free platforms (shared with GO services) with heated
shelters, a canopy and a snowmelt system. The platforms will be
accessed via elevators and ramps. It is expected that the Bloor GO
Station will include an interconnection with the Bloor/Dundas TTC
Subway Station (via a tunnel with elevators).
The ARL vehicles will comply with the Canadian Standards Association
“Accessible Design for the Built Environment” (CAN/CSA-B651-04) as
applicable to rail vehicles, and the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) 49 CFR 38, amongst other standards.
Some of the accessibility features of the vehicles include:
two-wheeled mobility aid (WMA) tie-down locations per rail car
(adjacent to an entry door), space for service animals, large print
and Braille instructions. The passenger seats closest to the WMA
locations will have adequate access to allow a passenger to transfer
between a WMA and the seats, and will accommodate companion seating.
The vehicle floor will be level, without interior steps or ramps to
change elevation, and will provide level boarding with high-level
station platforms.
Each doorway will include illuminated pushbuttons on the inside and
outside of the vehicle to permit passengers to open the doors at
Bloor and Weston GO stations under certain operating conditions. The
door pushbuttons and surrounding bezels will be colour-coded with
raised lettering to permit sensing by a person with a visual
impairment. A bright visual door closing warning will flash,
accompanied by an audible warning, on both sides of each doorway.
The visual indicators will be located on the side of the door frame,
and can be seen inside and outside the vehicle regardless of door
position.
At Airport Terminal 1 Station and Union Station, platform screen
doors will be provided to work in synchronization with the doors on
the vehicles for better climate control and safety.
Vehicles will
have a Public Address (PA) system to make audio announcements via
the interior and/or exterior speakers. An Automatic Announcement
System will also be provided to inform passengers of the approaching
station, current station, and other pertinent audio or visual
information. Station announcements, audio and text, will be
triggered automatically, and based on GPS (Global Positioning
System) position.
Rendering of an Air Rail Link vehicle
6.3 PRESTO initiatives
PRESTO is committed to continued
improvement to its e-fare
payment system so fare payment is accessible and inclusive for all
Ontarians and visitors to the province.
PRESTO has completed the rollout of first-generation devices and has
been fully implemented on GO Transit and seven transit systems.
Ottawa will start its rollout in early 2012. PRESTO will continue to
develop next-generation PRESTO functionality and capabilities.
Future development and the fare system’s overall success requires
feedback from customers and accessibility organizations. PRESTO is
encouraging feedback on the following:
- Existing services
- Service enhancements
- Customer communications (web, email, marketing materials)
PRESTO provides more options and convenience to customers in
managing public transit fare payments compared to existing fare
media. Loading one-card for public transit use is a clear example of
the multi-channel approach used by PRESTO to provide equivalent
services to disabled customers.
In the future, there will be other options as well to provide this
service such as self-service kiosks and mobile phone applications.
In 2012, the PRESTO project team will continue to make accessibility
initiatives a priority.
Consultations with experts and accessibility organizations will be
ongoing to ensure PRESTO meets AODA standards and the expectations
of disabled customers.
The deployment of devices in Ottawa will see additional features
which include an audio ear jack on unattended PRESTO devices.
Additional self-service kiosks will be explored in partnership with
transit service providers. Once PRESTO has been successfully rolled
out on conventional transit the project team will be working with
the transit agencies to develop solutions to make PRESTO available
on specialized transit systems.
6.3.1 Self-service kiosk
The self-service kiosk (SSK) is an
off-the-shelf device used as a
proof of concept to solicit customer feedback and inform the design
of future SSK devices. The PRESTO project team will be
installing the SSK at Union Station in September 2011. Accessibility
consultants have provided ongoing advice on the accessibility
features of the SSK to ensure the device both meets AODA standard
and will provide equivalent service which is convenient for
customers with disabilities.
Functionality
The SSK enables customers to independently manage their PRESTO
account at a kiosk location. When a card is interfaced with the SSK,
the customer is able to view the card transaction history and the
customer profile through a touch screen machine interface.
The customer profile consists of:
- Card number; Concession status
- Fare class (adult, senior, student)
- e-Purse balance
- GO Transit default trip (if applicable)
- Period pass details (if applicable)
From the profile screen customers can proceed to the load e-Purse
option or the transaction history option. If the transaction history
option is chosen, the screen will display the customer’s card
history.
The card history includes:
- e-purse load transactions
- Purchase history
- Travel history
From the e-purse option, a customer can select to load a
pre-determined value of $10, $20, $50 or $100. Once the value is
selected you confirm the amount and choose either debit or credit
card transaction. A debit or credit card is inserted and pin pad
instructions are displayed to complete the transaction. Once the
value is loaded onto the card, a screen displays the new e-Purse
balance and instructs the customer to remove their PRESTO card and
debit or credit card. Once the transaction is complete, a receipt is
printed out for the customer’s records. Other options such as
loading a monthly pass are not available on the proof of concept.
Audio support
The audio jack is located on the left side of the device, just below
the touch screen. Tactile detection is provided for a customer with
visual loss to locate the jack. When a customer plugs into the audio
jack they hear a looped message in English and French that instructs
them to touch audio button in the lower left section of the screen.
The script for the audio support is currently under development. The
audio will provide clear instructions to direct someone with vision
loss to place their card in the card interface slot and to use the
card history and e-Purse load features of the SSK.
Touchscreen
The screen is 15 inches in diameter and reacts to human
touch when making a selection. Each screen provides the same two
buttons on the bottom left and bottom right to enable the customer
to return to the previous screen, “back” or cancel the transaction,
“cancel.” The buttons used to select different options, such as
monetary value are large and located in easily identifiable places
to enable someone who has vision loss to follow the audio
instructions and select the correct button. A customer who uses the
audio support will also be able to blank out the screen to ensure
privacy during a transaction.
6.4 GO Transit initiatives
The current plan is for the majority of
TVMs to be installed across GO Transit properties in 2012 with at
least one device per rail station (two for unattended stations) as
well as key GO Bus locations.
6.4.1 Customer information
Public Information System (PINS)
Work continues on the installation of electronic departure boards at
platforms and concourses. The current estimated completion dates for
these initiatives are outlined below.
Union Station platforms 26/27 signage
With the opening of platforms 26/27 at Union Station, Public
Information (PINS) LED displays were installed on platforms 26 and
27 in May 2009.
PINS displays at Union Station Bus Terminal
These displays were installed at track level, providing customers
with departure information for their next train trip.
Post-implementation recommendations led to the following changes:
- Installation of eight
additional LEDs on platforms 26/27
(revised estimated completion date in summer 2012)
- Installation of two PINS
LCD signs at the concourse level (revised estimated completion date
in summer 2012)
Additional future PINS locations at track and concourse level
Additional PINS LCD signs at Union Station
Additional future PINS sign locations were identified within the
York West Teamway in Union Station. The revised installation
completion date for these electronic departure boards is winter
2011/12.
Additional future PINS locations within York West Teamway
Station service status system (“S4”)
A project is underway to provide GO Transit customers with
real-time, station-specific, rail-service status information. The
successful completion of this project will provide customers with GO
Train service status information on electronic signs at stations, GO
Transit’s public website and mobile devices. The project is expected
to be complete by winter 2011/12.
Sample screen layout for station specific, real-time rail service status information at stations – live on all corridors by winter 2011/12
As the real-time rail service status information is made available
to customers in 2011, additional electronic signs will be introduced
at station locations across all corridors starting in winter
2011/12.
GO Transit mobile companion
A project is underway to provide GO Transit customers with rail and
bus schedules and Union Station (rail and bus) departure information
on all major smartphone devices. Customers will be able to download
the GO Transit mobile companion on their BlackBerry, Android and
iPhone smartphone devices.
This application is designed to take advantage of the text-to-speech
capabilities of these phones for improved accessibility. Using a
one-finger swipe, users will be able to view the Union Station rail
and bus departures.
The application can also alert customers of impending arrival at
their stations by using the customers’ location information. This
new information tool is expected to be available to customers by
winter 2011/12.
GO Transit mobile companion app – available on all major smartphone devices (Android, Blackberry and iPhone
Major accessibility features of the GO Transit mobile companion app
Uses location data to alert passengers of impending arrival at destination
Provides Union Station departure alarms in advance of a selected departure
Uses text-to-speech to provide greater accessibility for customers with visual impairments
Computer Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL )
The Computer Aided Dispatch/Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL)
project will provide real-time bus service status information to
customers through GO Transit.com, smart phones and through
electronic signage at rail stations and bus stops. Customers will
also be provided with audio/visual next-stop announcements on-board
all trains and buses.
Our current best estimate with respect to installing the CAD/AVL
system on all GO Buses and railcars is 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Planning with the implementation vendor to install this system will
begin in September 2011. These timelines may be subject to
adjustments over the course of the project.
6.4.3 GO Infrastructure
In recent years, improvements to the
accessibility of GO Transit
services have included: retrofitting existing stations with
elevators to enable accessible rail service, adding an accessible
bus route to and from newly-built train stations and adding
lift-equipped buses to the fleet. These types of improvements will
continue.
In the upcoming year, the following accessibility-related
initiatives are planned, pending approval by Metrolinx.
New accessible GO Train stations
Allandale Waterfront - Barrie corridor
A new GO station in Barrie, which includes a station building, a
rail platform with a snowmelt system, a parking lot, access roads, a
pedestrian tunnel with pedestrian accessible ramps and other related
accessible and supporting infrastructure is planned to be completed
in winter 2011/12.
Kitchener corridor stations
A feasibility study conducted by GO in 2007 identified the need for
an extension of commuter rail service beyond Georgetown to the
Guelph and Kitchener/Waterloo area. An inaugural service will be
introduced in spring 2012.
This new operation will consist of three new fully accessible GO
stations at Acton, Guelph and Kitchener. The scope of work at these
new stations include: upgrade of VIA’s existing south platform to
accommodate an eight-car half platform (allows a 10 or 12-car train
to open the west end coaches from the accessibility coach to the cab
car). The scheduled in service date is winter 2011/2012.
Accessibility improvements to existing accessible stations
Burlington - Lakeshore West corridor
This project includes the construction of a new station building
that will link the east and west tunnel, the south parking lot and
the south bus loop to the north bus loop, parking lot and parking
garage. The station building will include barrier-free ticket
selling positions and accessible public restrooms, designated
pedestrian walkways and other easier access amenities. This project
is scheduled for completion in winter 2011/12.
Appleby - Lakeshore West corridor
A project has been undertaken to renovate the station building;
upgrade building accessibility and other customer service amenities.
It is anticipated that this project will be completed in summer
2012.
Bronte - Lakeshore West corridor
Additional barrier-free parking will be provided in the new south
parking lot, as well as an accessible path from the proposed parking
lot to the existing west tunnel and platforms - as a secondary means
of station and platform access. This project is scheduled to be
completed in winter 2011/12.
Oakville - Lakeshore West corridor
The project includes a new six-level, open-air parking structure
which will provide a net gain of approximately 1200 parking spaces
with an extension of the existing pedestrian tunnel with elevators
from the platform to the structure. The station site improvements
include a new covered Kiss & Ride facility adjacent to the existing
southeast tunnel. The in-service date is scheduled for winter
2012/13.
A parking expansion, with additional barrier-free parking, is also
planned at this location. It is anticipated that this work will be
completed in winter 2011/12.
Clarkson - Lakeshore West corridor
A new accessible multi-level parking structure is in preliminary
design stage, and once complete, it will include an elevator and
barrier-free parking. This project is scheduled for completion in
winter 2012/13.
Exhibition - Lakeshore West corridor
This project includes the conversion of existing side platform to an
island platform, the installation of a new tunnel to connect the
north side of the tracks with the existing tunnel and station,
installation of a new elevator to allow barrier-free access from the
north side, installation of a complete snowmelt system. The project
is scheduled for completion in winter 2012/13.
Aurora - Barrie corridor
Staged expansion and rehabilitation of the existing surface parking
will include a new and improved Kiss & Ride area, accessible
passenger loading and unloading zones and accessible parking
improvements.
There are also plans to improve the landscaping around the station.
The project is scheduled for completion in spring 2012.
Bramalea - Georgetown corridor
New station and building rehabilitation work will include
improvements to the existing station such as, expanded barrier-free
ticket selling positions, larger public waiting areas, accessible
public restrooms, retail sales areas, as well as electrical,
mechanical and communication upgrades. Currently this project is on
hold due to property issues and planning redesign.
A north parking lot expansion, also scheduled for completion winter
2011/12, will lead to an increase in the amount of barrier-free
parking.
Weston - Georgetown corridor
The existing Weston GO Station will be expanded to provide
infrastructure to accommodate future additional GO, VIA and Airport
Rail Link (ARL) as well as CP and CN rail services.
This project is planned in three phases. Phase 1 includes the
construction of a temporary mini platform on the south, side
platform, scheduled for completion spring 2012.
Phase 2 involves the construction of the new accessible island
platform, scheduled for completion in fall 2013.
Phase 3 involves platform extension to accommodate the ARL, at which
time the temporary mini platform constructed in Phase 1 will be
relocated to a permanent accessible location. Phase 3 is scheduled
for completion in fall 2014.
Erindale - Milton corridor
A six-storey multi-level parking structure with a new bus loop and
an accessible elevated, enclosed pedestrian bridge and covered
access to the station is planned at this station. This project is
scheduled to be completed in fall 2012.
Cooksville - Milton corridor
An accessible pedestrian overpass across Hurontario Street and an
elevator to the station platform are in the preliminary design
stage. A feasibility study is underway to add an asphalt ramp which
will connect Hurontario Street to the north platform. This project
is currently on hold.
Centennial - Stouffville corridor
A new accessible multi-level parking structure will be built and
include barrier-free parking. Construction is scheduled for
completion in winter 2011/12.
Unionville - Stouffville corridor
The building rehabilitation project at this station includes the
addition of barrier-free washrooms and more accessible ticket
counters. The project was previously reported as cancelled, but was
later reinitiated, and the estimated completion date is winter
2012/13.
Ajax - Lakeshore East corridor
Improvements to this station include a new west tunnel, elevators
and a new accessible multi-level parking structure with increased
accessibility parking spaces. The work is scheduled for completion
in winter 2012/13.
Pickering - Lakeshore East corridor
There is a multi-level open air parking structure planned at this
location with approximately 1770 spaces within close proximity to
the station and a direct link connection to the bridge spanning over
the 401 and the station. The project allows for a dedicated
accessible parking zone and the projected in service date is summer
2013.
New accessible GO Bus terminals
Scarborough Town Centre GO Bus Terminal
A new elevator will be installed and the ticket booth will be
replaced with a new accessible ticket kiosk at the bus loop. The
design phase has been completed and construction will likely
commence after the TTC’s Scarborough Rapid Transit system is
replaced by Light Rail Transit technology. This project is scheduled
for completion in 2015/2016.
Yorkdale GO Bus Terminal
This project involves the installation of a new elevator adjacent to
the bus platforms that will provide direct access to the mall level
corridor above the GO Bus terminal and a refurbished pedestrian ramp
connecting the terminal to the nearest street (Yorkdale Road and
ramps connecting to Hwy 401 and Allan Road north). This project is
scheduled to be completed by winter 2012/13.
York Mills GO Bus Terminal
This project involves the expansion of bus platforms beside the
enclosed passenger waiting area to accommodate the deployment of GO
Bus WMA lifts, as well as incorporating other easier access
features. This project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2012.
Bus Terminal at Hwy 407 and Jane:
A new subway station on the Yonge-University-Spadina line is
proposed at Highway 407 and Jane Street. It is intended that all
buses currently serving York University will terminate at the new
bus terminal at the Highway 407 Station where passengers will be
able to access the TTC subway system. In total, thirteen bus bays
are dedicated to GO buses and a layover area to store a minimum of
15 GO buses is planned. An accessible GO ticket sales kiosk in the
passenger waiting area with two sales positions will be provided
along with other related amenities. This project is scheduled for
completion in winter 2015.
Other GO Infrastructure initiatives
Customer access location project
GO Transit will be undertaking a new initiative in 2012 called the
Customer Access Location Project (CAL). This project reviews and
prioritizes all on-street bus stops for upgrading to meet AODA
Standards. This will increase safety, accessibility and enhance the
customer experience across the GO network.
Rail platform edge detectable tiles – pilot project
In winter 2011/2012, a pilot project is planned to evaluate a
standardized rail platform edge detectable tile feature. This
project will alert passengers to potential hazards by helping them
to recognize unprotected edges with a change in level such as rail
platforms. Suitable surfaces will identify potential hazards by the
use of distinct changes in colour and texture and uniformity in
application and should not present a tripping hazard.
Selection criteria includes: construction and installation
considerations for retrofit applications; and new construction with
an emphasis on safety, maintenance and durability.
Designated waiting area (DWA)
The new standard mini-platform and associated Designated Waiting
Area (DWA) features are being implemented in current GO Station
infrastructure projects such as Allandale Waterfront, Ajax platform
rehabilitation, and the Kitchener-Waterloo expansion projects.
The DWA at GO rail stations, located at the mini-platform, will
provide additional features at this location, and will allow
passengers to contact GO staff for assistance. The DWA designation
offers improved visibility of the features at the station
mini-platform.
Proposed park & ride locations
A number of new park & ride lots are in the process of being
implemented and will be accessible once complete. These locations
include:
-
Clarington (Hwy 2 and
Hwy 35) park & ride - in construction, expected completion in
December 2011
-
Hwy 410 at Williams
Parkway park & ride (Brampton) in service fall 2011, will not
provide bus services until April 2012
-
BRT park & ride
Trafalgar Road: expected completion is spring 2012
-
Sportsworld (Hwy 8 and
Sportsworld Drive) park & ride - in planning Stage, expected
completion in summer 2013
-
Agency to station
conversion Square One: expected completion winter 2012
-
Hwy 404 at Woodbine
Avenue park & ride (Georgina): expected completion in summer 2013
-
Hwy 404 and Queensville
park & ride: expected completion summer 2013
-
New bus loop at Maple GO Station: expected completion summer 2013
- Hwy 407 and Brock Road
park & ride: expected completion fall 2013
Mississauga bus rapid transit
The project is being undertaken in conjunction with the City of
Mississauga. The facility will be a fully dedicated, grade
separated, bus only road covering an 18-km, 12-station span.
GO Transit is responsible for the western segment (BRT West) along
Highway 403 from Winston Churchill Boulevard to Erin Mills Parkway,
while Mississauga is responsible for the eastern segment (BRT East)
from the City Centre to Renforth Drive, just south of Toronto’s
Pearson International Airport.
The detailed design for GO BRT West is expected to begin in winter
2011/12, with construction to follow soon thereafter. Completion of
the overall project is expected in 2013/2014 and will include the
Erin Mills BRT, Winston Churchill BRT and Dixie BRT Stations.
The Renforth BRT Gateway project will facilitate various regional
transit systems (TTC, ‘MiWay’, GO). The station, the bus-only
connection and transit priority measures to and from the Renforth
BRT Gateway will greatly enhance travel efficiency from this area to
the TTC Kipling Station, as well as other locations. The station
building will be inclusive of fare/ticketing and information systems
and other hub amenities as required. The in-service date is
scheduled for winter 2014/15.
Alignment of the Mississauga Bus Rapid Transit
Alignment of the Mississauga Bus Rapid Transit
6.4.4 Rail and bus equipment
Accessible railcars
GO Transit will be ordering three more accessible railcars in the
summer of 2012, bringing the total to 53.
New lift-equipped buses
GO Transit anticipates the addition of up to 20 new lift-equipped
highway coaches to its fleet in 2012, bringing the total to 432 as
well as increasing the number of double-decker buses in its fleet
beyond 2012.
The following additional accessibility features are currently being
investigated:
Folding seat on the wheeled mobility aid lift:
GO Transit is continuing to work with lift manufacturers to
investigate the possibility of incorporating/integrating a folding
seat onto the platform and/or one of the armrests on the lift. This
feature would be able to accommodate people who have disabilities
that make it difficult to climb and descend the main entry steps at
the front of the bus. To date, a potential solution has not been
determined.
Design new easy storing Priority Seats:
The possibility to fold and store the Priority Seats underneath the
floor (similar to passenger vans) is currently being explored. If
this design proposal is feasible and meets federal safety
requirements, the concept may be tested on a GO highway coach as
early as 2013.
Quick secure wheeled mobility aid securement system:
In an effort to reduce boarding and alighting times for passengers in wheeled
mobility aids (WMA), GO is working with wheelchair and passenger
securement manufacturers for an alternative to the existing
seven-point securement system. If an acceptable solution is
identified, GO may initiate adaptation on its new double-decker
buses in 2013.
7. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005
(AODA) and Associated Standards
In June 2005, the Ontario Government passed a new law called the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (“AODA”). The AODA provides for the development, implementation and enforcement of accessibility standards with the vision for a fully accessible Ontario by 2025.
For the first time in Canada, accessibility standards apply to businesses, public sector organizations, municipalities and the Provincial Government. The standards address the removal of barriers for a wide range of disabilities, including physical, sensory, mental health, developmental and learning, in accordance with the definition of “disability” under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Over the last year, important steps have been taken toward removing barriers across Ontario. The purpose of this section is to provide an overview of the AODA, and an update on the progress of the accessibility standards under the AODA.
7.1 Standards development process
The AODA sets out a unique approach to
the development of
standards by establishing committees comprised of people with
disabilities, representatives of industries and various economic
sectors and Ontario Ministries. Since 2007, the Standards
Development Committees (SDC) have been comprised of 50 per cent
representation of people with disabilities.
As outlined in the AODA, the Minister of Community and Social
Services is responsible to establish an SDC for each standard under
the AODA. The SDC is responsible for developing a proposed standard,
and defining the persons or organizations to be required to comply.
The standards development process occurs as follows:
- Standards Development
Committee (SDC) creates an initial draft standard in accordance with
its mandate and terms of reference
- Initial proposed
standard is released for a public review period
- SDC reviews public input
and revises draft standard to submit to the Minister for
consideration
- No later than 90 days
after receiving the proposed standard, the Minister decides whether
to recommend that the proposed standard be adopted by regulation to
the Lieutenant Governor in Council
Once a regulation under the AODA has been enacted, the SDC will
review the regulation to re-examine the long-term accessibility
objectives and revise any of the regulation requirements, or begin
the process again by developing a new or additional proposed
standard.
7.1.1 Standards Development
Areas
To date there have been five
accessibility standards developed
under the AODA:
1. Customer Service
2. Transportation
3. Information and Communications
4. Employment
5. Built Environment
The following provides an overview of each of the AODA standards and
their current stage of development as of August 2011:
7.2 Accessible Standards for Customer Service (ASCS)
Ontario’s first accessibility standard,
the Accessible Standards
for Customer Service, came into effect as Regulation on January 1,
2008. The legal requirements are set out in two Ontario Regulations
under the
AODA: the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service,
Ontario Regulation 429/07, which states the requirements of the
standard; and Exemption for Reporting Requirements,
Ontario Regulation 430/07, which exempts organizations that have
fewer than 20 employees (unless the organization is a designated
public sector organization) from certain documentation requirements
of the standard.
The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service state what
businesses and other organizations in Ontario must do to make the
provision of their goods and services more accessible to people with
disabilities. In broad terms, the regulation requires the following
compliance activities be undertaken:
- Organizations are
required to establish policies, practices and procedures governing
the provision of goods or services to people with disabilities
- Organizations must
provide access for service animals and support persons
- Organizations are
required to provide the public with notice when there are temporary
disruptions to the facilities that people with disabilities use in
order to benefit from their goods and services
- Organizations must
provide training for employees, volunteers, agents and otherwise who
deal with members of the public or third parties on the
organization’s behalf
- Organizations are
required to establish a process for receiving and responding to
feedback or complaints received regarding the manner in which they
provides goods and services to persons with disabilities
- Organizations with at
least 20 employees are required to notify the persons to whom they
provide goods and services that the documents required by the
regulation are available upon request
- Where an organization is
required to provide a document to a person with a disability, it
must be provided in a format that takes into account the person’s
disability
In addition to these compliance activities, organizations with at
least 20 employees are also required to file annual compliance
reports with the Ministry of Community and Social Services. These
compliance reports are to be filed by March 31 of each year.
During 2009, Metrolinx undertook many new accessibility initiatives
to comply with the regulation. The details of our compliance efforts
are summarized in a document entitled, “Metrolinx/GO Transit
Accessible Customer Service Policy for Implementation of the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA),”
which is available on the Metrolinx and GO Transit websites
(http://www.gotransit.com/public/en/news/accessibleCSpolicy.aspx).
Hardcopies of this document are also available upon request, as they
also are in accessible formats.
7.3 Integrated Accessibility Standards (IAS)
The Integrated Accessibility Standards,
created under the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), was filed
as Regulation 191/11 on June 3, 2011, and became effective July 1,
2011. The regulation includes accessibility requirements
relating to employment, transportation, and information and
communications and applies to both private and public sector
organizations in Ontario.
7.3.1 Information and
Communications Standards
This portion of the Regulation is
intended to remove barriers in all information and communications
for people with disabilities. The proposed standard outlines how
businesses and organizations may be required to create, provide and
receive information and communications in ways that are accessible
for people with disabilities.
7.3.2 Employment Standards
As suggested by its name, this portion
of the Regulation aims to prevent, identify and remove barriers
across all cycles of the employment lifecycle for people with
disabilities. The Standard will set out specific requirements for
the recruitment, retention and accommodation of people with
disabilities, and will apply to all organizations in Ontario.
7.3.3 Transportation Standards
The proposed Transportation Standard is
the only industry-specific standard to be developed under the AODA.
It would apply to all public transportation systems including
subways, buses, trains and taxis.
The Transportation Standards Development Committee began meeting in
early 2006 to develop and draft a proposed standard for accessible
transportation. This standard is the only one that is sector
specific; that is, it relates specifically to modes of
transportation that come under the jurisdiction of provincial and
municipal governments.
7.3.4 Compliance with
Integrated Accessibility Standards
Compliance timeframes are grouped by the
Ontario Provincial
Government, Ontario Public Sector (large and small) and Ontario
Private Sector (large and small). Metrolinx falls into the
large public sector group with regards to compliance
timeframes.
Regulation 191/11 contains seven requirements to which
Metrolinx must comply by July 1, 2011 (the effective date of the
Regulation). Each of the requirements are noted below with a
brief summary of our compliance status. The compliance
requirements noted below are abbreviated interpretations based on
the Integrated Accessibility Standards.
Compliance requirements – July 1, 2011
Regulatory requirement |
Steps to compliance |
Status |
35 – Non-functioning equipment
- Take reasonable steps to accommodate persons with
disabilities when accessibility equipment on a vehicle is
not functioning and/or equivalent service cannot be provided
- Repair all non-functioning accessibility equipment as
soon as possible
|
Consistent with current practice |
Compliant |
39 – Transition existing contracts
- Existing contracts for railcar and bus purchases, signed prior to July 1, 2011 are exempt from meeting the technical requirements outlined in the standard
|
GO Transit has existing contracts for railcar and bus purchases within the timeframes indicated |
Compliant |
40 – Transition existing vehicles
- Any vehicles in the current fleet which the transportation service provider chooses to retrofit, must include modifications to meet the technical requirements outlined in the standard, except those that would impact the structural integrity of the vehicle
|
All GO Transit railcars and buses meet the technical requirements outlined in the Standard |
Compliant |
46 – Fares
- Transit providers cannot charge persons with a disability a higher fare than customers without a disability
- Make accessible fare payment options available to persons with a disability
|
Consistent with current practice |
Compliant |
48 – Storage of mobility aids
- Store and return mobility aids (e.g., wheelchairs) and mobility assistive devices (e.g., canes, walkers) safely on railcar or bus and within reach of person with a disability, where possible
- A person with a disability cannot be charged a fee for the storage of mobility aids or mobility assistive devices
|
Consistent with current practice |
Compliant |
51 a) – Pre-boarding announcements
- Pre-boarding verbal announcements of the route, direction, destination or next major stop must be made, upon request
|
Consistent with current practice |
Compliant |
52 a) – On-board announcements
- On-board verbal announcements of destination points or available route stops must be made while the vehicle is being operated
|
Consistent with current practice |
Compliant |
62 a) – Accessibility, rail cars
- Ensure that at least one rail car per train is accessible to persons with disabilities who use mobility aids
|
Consistent with current practice |
Compliant |
Compliance requirements – January 1, 2012
Regulatory requirement |
Steps to compliance |
Status |
13 – Emergency procedure, plans or public safety information
- All emergency procedures and public safety information that is available to the public is made available in accessible formats or with appropriate communications supports upon request
|
Consistent with current practice |
Compliant |
27 – Workplace emergency response information
- Workplace emergency response information required by an employee with a disability is available in the format required
- Employer is aware of accommodation requirements for all employees with disabilities in the event of an emergency situation
|
GO Transit has existing contracts for railcar and bus purchases within the timeframes indicated |
Compliant |
34 – Availability of information on accessibility equipment, etc.
- Information regarding accessibility equipment and features of vehicles, routes and services is available in accessible formats
|
Convert existing information to accessible formats |
Compliant |
37 – Emergency preparedness and response policies
- Emergency preparedness and response policies provide for the safety of customers with disabilities
- Policies are available to the public in accessible formats
|
Review and modify existing procedures as needed |
Partially compliant |
44 – General responsibilities
- Operators deploy accessibility equipment upon the request of customers and ensure that customers with disabilities have adequate time to board and be secured
- Operators provide assistance to customers with disabilities upon request with boarding, deboarding, and storage of mobility aids or mobility assistive devices
|
Consistent with current practice |
Compliant |
47 – Transit stops
- Drop off customers with disabilities at the closest available safe location should their desired stop be inaccessible
- Operators promptly report any inaccessible stop or temporary barrier to the appropriate authority
|
Consistent with current practice |
Compliant |
49 - Courtesy seating
- Every public transit vehicle has designated seating for person’s with disabilities only, which is clearly marked as such
- Develop a communications strategy designed to inform the public about the purpose of courtesy seating
|
Modify content of existing Courtesy Seating decals as needed
Revise communications provided on GO Transit website and in Accessibility Guide for Customers
|
Partially compliant |
Compliance requirements – January 1, 2013
Regulatory requirement |
Steps to compliance |
Status |
3 – Establishment of accessibility policies
- Develop and implement policies governing the achievement of compliance with this Regulation
- Written documents available to the public in accessible formats
- Statement of organization commitment to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities in a timely manner is provided
|
Create IAR accessibility policies as needed
Convert existing information to accessible formats
Modify existing commitment statement as needed
|
Not compliant |
4 – Accessibility plans
- Establish multi-year accessibility plans which address compliance with this Regulation including annual status reports
- To require plans and reports to be posted on websites and made available in accessible formats
|
Expand multi-year plan to all areas of organization |
Partially compliant |
5 – Procuring or acquiring goods, services or facilities
- Ensure that accessibility criteria and features are incorporated into procurement documents and given consideration during the acquisition of goods
|
Create IAR accessibility policies as needed |
Not compliant |
6 – Self-service kiosks
- Incorporate accessibility features into the design, procurement and acquisition of self-service kiosks
|
Incorporate more accessibility features |
Partially compliant |
41 – Accessibility plans, conventional transportation services
- Develop a process for managing, evaluation and acting on customer feedback (similar to Regulation429/07)
- Convene annual public meeting to provide the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the accessibility plan
|
Consistent with current practice
Organize annual public meeting
|
Partially compliant |
43 – Accessibility plans, conventional and specialized transportation services
- Procedures with respect to vehicle repairs and equipment failures detailed in the accessibility plan
|
Incorporate existing procedures into plan |
Partially compliant |
45 - Alternative accessible method of transportation
- Provide an alternative accessible method of transportation if persons cannot, as the result of their disability, make use of the local conventional transit service
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
50 - Service disruptions
- During a service disruption that is known in advance, make alternative arrangements that are accessible, or alternate accessible arrangements that are made for customers with disabilities
- During a service disruption that is known in advance, make information regarding same available to the public in an accessible manner
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
53 - Requirements (grab bars, etc.)
- Provide for grab bars and stanchions throughout the vehicle to assist persons with disabilities
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
54 - Floors and carpeted surfaces
- Provide flooring on board public transportation vehicles that is slip resistant and produces minimal glare. If carpeted, be of low pile and securely fastened
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
55 - Allocated mobility aid spaces
- Provide two allocated mobility aid spaces on board public transit vehicles as specified, both of which must meet the space requirements set out in the Regulation
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
56 - Stop-requests and emergency response controls
- Ensure accessible stop requests are located throughout the vehicle.
- Ensure accessible emergency response controls are located throughout the vehicle
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
57 - Lighting features
- Provide adequate lighting at all customer access doors on public transit vehicles
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
58 – Signage
- Provide vehicle signage that is consistently located, glare free, high contrast and visible at the customer boarding point.
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
59 – Lifting devices, etc.
- Equip lifting devices on public transit vehicles with the appropriate safety features
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
60 – Steps
- Ensure that any steps on board public transit vehicles are uniform and are outfitted with the appropriate safety features
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
61 - Indicators and alarms
- Ensure that ramps and/or lifting devices on public transit vehicles are equipped with appropriate safety features
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
62 b) - Accessibility, rail cars
- Ensure that at least one mobility aid accessible washroom is provided on the mobility aid accessible rail car
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
Compliance requirements – January 1, 2014
Regulatory requirement |
Steps to compliance |
Status |
7 – Training
- Ensure that all employees, volunteers and those providing service on an organization’s behalf are trained, appropriate to their duties, on aspects of the Regulation and the OHRC, and that records of training are maintained
|
Training program to be developed and provided.
|
Not compliant |
11 – Feedback
- Develop and implement processes for receiving and responding to feedback and ensure that the processes are accessible to persons with disabilities by providing or arranging for the provision of accessible formats and communications supports, upon request
|
Develop work plan and budget
|
Not compliant |
14 a) – Accessible websites and web content
- Ensure websites are compliant with WCAG 2.0 level A
|
Existing websites exceed this requirement.
|
Compliant |
22 – Recruitment, General
- Notify the public of the availability of accommodation during recruitments
|
Review and modify existing procedures as needed
|
Partially compliant |
23 – Recruitment, assessment or selection process
- Notify applicants if selected for an assessment that accommodations are available upon request
- Ensure that in the event an applicant indicated the need for accommodation, consultation will take place with the applicant in regard to the most suitable form of accommodation
|
Review and modify existing procedures as needed
|
Partially compliant |
24 – Notice to successful applicants
- Notify the successful applicant of policies for accommodating employees with disabilities
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
25 – Informing employees of supports
- Inform all employees of current policies supporting employees with disabilities, and each time there is a change to policies
- Ensure new employees are informed of policies as soon as practical
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
26 - Accessible formats and communication supports for employees
- Ensure that any information an employee requires to do their job is available to all employees is provided to employees with a disability in an accessible format
- Ensure that the employee is consulted with respect to the format and/or support provided
|
Review and modify existing procedures and documents as needed
|
Partially compliant |
28 - Documented individual accommodation plans
- Ensure that individual accommodation plans are documented, and include the elements as listed in the Regulation
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
29 – Return to work process
- Ensure that a return to work process in place for employees returning to work requiring disability-related accommodations
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
30 – Performance management
- Ensure accessibility needs of the employee are taken into account when using a performance management process
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
31 - Career development and advancement
- Ensure employers take accessibility needs into account when providing career advancement opportunities
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
32 - Redeployment
- Ensure that any redeployment activity will take into account any accessibility needs of employees with disabilities
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
36 – Accessibility training
- Provide specific training to operations employees regarding safe use of accessibility equipment, procedures for temporary barriers, and emergency response procedures
- Maintain training record for all employees
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
38 - Fares, support persons
- Eliminate the fare for a support person who is accompanying a disabled passenger on conventional or specialized services
- Develop support person criteria
- Assess applicants, and issue identification as required relating to the need for a support person while travelling on transit
|
Consistent with current practice
|
Compliant |
Compliance requirements – January 1, 2015
Regulatory requirement |
Steps to compliance |
Status |
12 – Accessible formats and communication supports
- Make available all information in accessible formats, upon request
- Ensure the public is aware of the formats the organization will provide, and that there is no fee for the provision of same
|
Develop work plan and budget
|
Not compliant |
51 b) – Pre-boarding Announcements
- Pre-boarding automated announcements of the route, direction, destination or next major stop must be made, upon request
|
Work in progress
|
Not compliant |
52 b) – On-board Announcements
- On-board automated announcements of destination points or available route stops must be made while the vehicle is being operated
|
Work in progress
|
Not compliant |
Compliance requirements – January 1, 2020
Regulatory requirement |
Steps to compliance |
Status |
14 b) – Accessible websites and web content
- Ensure websites are compliant with WCAG 2.0 level AA
|
Existing websites meet this requirement.
|
Compliant |
Metrolinx, together with other transit agencies, is working with the government to develop implementation guidelines intended to assist obligated organizations with compliance to the Regulation. However, it is not known at this time when the final document will be released.
7.4 Built Environment Standards (BES)
The Built Environment Standards are the
most extensive of the
AODA standards developed to date. This Standard aims to remove
barriers for people with disabilities in the physical environment,
including over 70 elements such as buildings and facilities,
sidewalks, parks, parking areas, housing, amusement parks, and
more.
The Built Environment Standards Development Committee has been
active since 2007, developing the initial proposed standard. The
proposed standard was released for its mandatory public review
period from July 14 to October 16 2009. The proposed standard is
nearly 300 pages in length with an additional document with
technical illustrations. The proposed standard would apply to both
the public and private sectors, with compliance required for all new
construction, extensive renovation, change of use, and retrofitting
existing facilities and elements. Although the proposed standard as
developed by the SDC included retrofit and housing requirements, the
Ministry of Community and Social Services website provided
clarification that:
“The committee’s terms of reference outline that this standard will
focus on preventing barriers on a go-forward basis. Under this
proposed standard, all new buildings and buildings undergoing major
renovations would need to meet the proposed requirements if passed
as law.
The government does not plan to require that all existing buildings
be retrofitted to meet accessibility requirements in the final
accessible built environment standard at this time. Also, the
government does not intend to require Ontarians to make their
existing or new houses accessible in the final accessible built
environment standard at this time.”
It is expected that requirements for housing and retrofit will be
addressed through separate standard development committee processes
in the future.
A final version of the BES has been submitted to the Minister of
Community and Social Services for consideration as law.
7.5 GO Transit’s involvement
As GO Transit recognized the significant
impact that AODA may have
on its customers as well as on all department activities within the
organization, we are actively engaged in the standard development
process.
GO participated in the Transportation Standards Development
Committee and also worked collaboratively with the Transit Industry
Resource Group, which is comprised of leads and senior staff of
transit service providers from across the province, to provide input
and assess the opportunities and impacts of each of the proposed
Standards during their respective development phases.
The Resource Group prepared detailed responses to each of the AODA
standards during their respective public review periods. Each of
these submissions have been approved by the President of GO Transit,
and submitted to the Deputy Minister of Transportation for
consideration and referral to the Minister of Community and Social
Services.
As noted, Metrolinx has also taken many important initiatives during
2009 to meet its obligations under the Accessibility Standards for
Customer Service.
Public sector organizations including provincial ministries,
municipalities, hospitals, school boards, colleges, universities and
public transportation organizations are still legally required under
Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 to prepare annual
accessibility plans and to make these plans available to the public.
7.6 Summary
Metrolinx remains strongly committed to
the objectives and intent of the AODA. Removing barriers improves
the quality of life for people of all ages and abilities in the
community.
8. Appendices
a) Appendix 1
Long-term plan for future accessible stations
b) Appendix 2
Easier access station features
The following easier access features are incorporated into all GO
Transit train stations1 and bus terminals
as a standard design practice:
- Delineated pedestrian
crosswalks and pavement markings
- Designated accessible parking
spaces and loading areas
- Sidewalks with curb cuts to
accommodate barrier-free access
- Benches in stations and
designated shelters on train and bus platforms and park & ride and
Kiss & Ride areas
- Stairways with accessible
features, such as colour contrasted, non-slip stair nosing,
handrails and detectable tactile flooring in advance of stairs
- Power door operators and door
guards throughout all accessible designated interior routes
- Accessible washrooms
- Floor grilles compatible with
the use of canes and crutches and grating located away from the main
pedestrian traffic flow
- Barrier-free ticket sales
counters and accessible ticket booth audio communication systems
- Increased illumination near passenger loading and waiting areas
- Accessible bus bays and platform areas
- Signage for station wayfinding
- Public Address system
- Elevators with accessible features, where the station or
facility requires an elevator
- Elevated accessible rail platform (mini-platform).
Source: GO Transit design requirements manual
These features also apply to areas within Union Station that are
used by GO Transit (e.g., GO Concourse, ticket sales area and
Customer Service Centre, GO elevators, train platforms and building
entrances). Also, these features have now been incorporated
into GO Transit’s Station Design Standards.