Meeting the Challenges of Aging Report 2009
Transportation Strengths Handi-Transit was overall highly recommended, though must be booked in advance. Many Greater Sudbury bus drivers were highly praised in assisting seniors with knowing which stop to take, or stopping where the senior could step off a bus, and lowering the bus as needed. Bus drivers often had to navigate snowbanks & deep puddles or potholes to get the rider to a safe spot to get off the bus. The Red Cross service was indicated as excellent though difficult to access as it must be booked in advance and is generally fully booked.
Weaknesses Handi-Transit though excellent must be booked days in advance and was not good for medical tests that were ordered on short notice. Many seniors complained about the state of the sidewalks and or access to bus stops. Snowbanks in the winter were a consistent problem for individuals with barriers to mobility. Bus shelters were too far to walk, often had no benches, and were dirty, icy, and hard to get to in the winter. Transit shelters could be better located. Bus schedules were often not convenient and made it difficult to make doctors appointments. One senior said she had to travel to Azilda to find a doctor and the round trip took the entire day. It also took too long to take the bus from the South End to New Sudbury for leisure, to shop or go to the movies. Public transit was often not feasible for recreation & leisure activities. Seniors did not seem comfortable taking the bus in the evening. Many younger riders on the bus often did not get up for a senior, and they would have to stand the entire ride. Some bus drivers were difficult and not accommodating when stopping near snow banks, helping seniors know which stop to get off at and or asking younger riders to offer their seats. Some seniors also indicated that it was cheaper to purchase single tickets than the seniors monthly bus passes based on frequency of use. A number of participants indicated that it would be extremely useful if the bus drivers called out the stops. It is difficult to see out windows due to inclement weather & or dirt. Buses are often noisy & crowded and difficult to get off at a stop in time. For pedestrian transportation, a number of participants mentioned difficulty leaving their homes & walking on the sidewalks after snowfalls. Sidewalks, specifically in the downtown were often dirty (cigarettes butts, general litter etc). Many seniors did not feel comfortable walking in the downtown area at any time due to harassment by pan-handlers and lack of police or some type of security presence. Most were comfortable in area malls and in the newly renovated Rainbow Centre Mall downtown which is convenient for those seniors living in the downtown area.
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