Passenger Accessibility in the Transportation Sector
Location: National
Issue/Source: Accessible transportation and TRAN
Date: March 2024
Suggested Responses
- The Government of Canada recognizes that significant advancements have been made towards improving accessibility not only in transportation, but in all services, more can be done.
- The Government of Canada recognizes that many persons with disabilities live in remote or rural communities, where travel by air or rail is necessary to access essential services. This means that accessibility barriers can be even more challenging for these communities.
- Bill C-52 introduced a proposal for collecting and publishing accessibility complaints data. The absence of data limits the Government of Canada’s ability to address systemic barriers. These provisions are intended to ensure a higher level of transparency for persons with disabilities and maximum accountability for operators in meeting their accessibility obligations.
If Pressed
- This Government of Canada continues to work towards eliminating barriers that negatively impact persons with disabilities. This effort aligns with the goals of the Accessible Canada Act, enacted in June 2019, which aims for a barrier-free Canada by 2040. This involves identifying, removing, and preventing barriers to accessibility.
- The Government of Canada is working on regulations to improve accessibility in transportation for persons with disabilities, focusing on small service providers. This will ensure that more remote or rural communities have better access to barrier-free travel.
Background Information
- Sixty-three percent (63%) of the 2.2 million persons with persons with disabilities who used federal regulated transportation in 2019 and 2020 faced a barrier. This often results in adverse consequences for persons with disabilities, including to their health, independence, and dignity.
- Phase II of the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations aim to expand on initial efforts started in June 2019, focusing beyond large service providers. The Canadian Transportation Agency is preparing for inclusive consultations, including with its Accessibility Advisory Committee and various stakeholders. This necessary step sets the stage for [ Redacted ] .
- Data collection and Bill C-52 is designed to improve the collection of data on accessible transportation. Currently, Transport Canada lacks specific data on accessibility complaints, which limits its ability to address barriers effectively. This Bill will require service providers to collect and share detailed accessibility data with Transport Canada and the Canadian Transportation Agency, improving transparency and accountability. This will help in evaluating the effectiveness of accessibility measures, resolving complaints, and demonstrating progress in making transportation more accessible for persons with disabilities.