Released on August 20, 2007
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission is announcing a settlement of a complaint from a man with a disability against the City of Regina and the Regina Paratransit Service.
The settlement agreement will see the Paratransit Service change its fee structure to ensure its passengers enjoy the same variety of fares and discounts available to others.
James McKenzie filed the complaint with the Commission alleging that he was being discriminated against because of his disability when he was denied the reduced fare options offered by the City's regular transit service.
"I am pleased that the City of Regina and the Regina Paratransit Service have agreed to revise their fee structure so that it parallels the regular transit system," McKenzie said. "This agreement will reverse the adverse financial impact felt by persons with disabilities who rely on the Regina Paratransit Service."
The revised fare structure for Paratransit customers comes into effect on January 1, 2008. The new fare options available to them include discounted passes, seniors' discount passes, adult monthly passes, post-secondary passes, youth passes, day passes and family passes, adult tickets, youth tickets, youth cash fares, employer transit passes and free travel for those with a CNIB or War Amps card. Paratransit passenger attendants will still be able to ride for free.
"Finding systemic solutions for the accommodation of persons with disabilities by paratransit services is an issue for many cities across Canada," Acting Chief Commissioner John C. Hill said. "We applaud the City of Regina and the Regina Paratransit Service for their willingness to review their system and work towards improving accessibility to its services. We also commend Mr. McKenzie for the key role he played in finding a resolution to this issue."
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For more information, contact:
Genevieve Leslie
Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-8282
Email: gleslie@shrc.gov.sk.ca