Call to Action: Bring HandyDART under public control
The current privatized, patchwork system places riders and workers in unnecessary precarity.
Sent on May 13, 2025 to CEO of TransLink Kevin Quinn, Minister of Transportation Mike Farnworth, and the TransLink Board of Directors
Written by Sacia Burton, BC Poverty Reduction Coalition
I am writing on behalf of the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition to add our coalition’s collective voice to the growing wave of support for the transition of HandyDART services towards full public control.
HandyDART is recognised by disabled community members as life-saving. Drivers are trained in accessibility needs and offer door-to-door service to riders, which provides crucial mobility and access to community. Tens of thousands of Metro Vancouver residents rely on HandyDART to get to medical appointments, adult daycare centres, and other essential services.
The current privatized, patchwork system places riders and workers in unnecessary precarity. Sub-contracting to under- or untrained taxi services leads to unreliable service provision and an unacceptable level of unpredictability for riders. Shifting HandyDART to an adequately funded public service model would ensure dignity for riders and the team that makes this service possible.
Local leaders across the Lower Mainland have voiced support for bringing HandyDART in-house for good reason. Under Transdev’s operation, HandyDART has become known for myriad safety problems, unreliable service quality, and poor working conditions for drivers. TransLink’s own CEO noted in 2024 that the current review process is “a great opportunity to take a deeper look at how we can better deliver for our HandyDART users”. Now is the time for that delivery to come through.
Additionally, Minister Farnworth’s mandate letter cites HandyDART’s current model as a top priority for review. Now is the time to reaffirm the provincial government’s commitments to align this crucial piece of our transportation system as a cost-effective, reliable, and functional public good.
I look forward to your continued support of dignified transportation throughout our province. On June 25, I urge you to vote to bring HandyDART under public control.
