MTO 2008-2009 Accessibility Plan

Report on Other Accessibility Commitments

Focus area: Transportation

Focus area:

Transportation

Impact:

Act / Legislation / Policy / Program / Service

Commitment:

New / Completed

Improve accessible parking program for motorcyclists with a disability by addressing their concerns about privacy and theft of permit left on their motorcycle.

Implementation Timeframe:

May 26, 2008

Results Achieved:

A new, visible accessible parking permit sticker to be placed directly on licence plate is now available for motorcyclists who hold a permanent or subject-to-change accessible parking permit. The new sticker complements the existing placard permit.

Focus area:

Transportation

Impact:

Program / Service

Commitment:

Completed / Ongoing

Continue to work with Ontario municipalities, GO Transit and Metrolinx to assist in improving and renewing municipal transit systems and GO Transit's rail and bus services.

Implementation Timeframe:

October 2007 to November 2008 reporting period

Results Achieved:

MTO's existing municipal transit funding programs, namely the Ontario Bus Replacement Program (OBRP) and the Dedicated Gas Tax Program, require that municipalities acquire fully accessible buses, and also provide the flexibility for municipalities to increase their transit expenditures to support compliance with the proposed Transportation Accessibility Standard currently under development. In addition, the Province provided $300 million to Ontario municipalities, through the 2007 Ontario Economic Outlook and Fiscal Review, to address state of good repair needs, allowing municipalities to utilize this funding to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities.

The 2007 OBRP program purchased 309 conventional and 112 specialized transit buses for a total of 421 new accessible replacement buses. At the end of 2007, 72.6 per cent of municipal conventional transit buses in Ontario were accessible, up from 38 per cent in 2003.

MTO continued to participate on GO Transit's External Advisory Committee to provide advice and expertise on improving access to their bus and rail commuter services. The following are a few highlights outlined under GO Transit's 2009 Accessibility Plan:

• By the end of 2008, it is anticipated that 49 out of 59 (83%) of all GO Transit Train Stations will be designated accessible for travellers with disabilities
• Accessibility has also been expanded on the GO Transit Bus system. In 2008, the GO bus fleet became 100% accessible (i.e. lift/ramp equipped) and the following bus routes were designated accessible:  Milton, Richmond Hill, Barrie/Bradford, Stouffville, Brampton Trinity Common and Newmarket to York University
• Accessibility improvements are incorporated in facility improvement projects, new train and bus coaches, staff training programs, signage, and the GO Transit website on an ongoing basis. Such improvements have been proven to be beneficial to all GO Transit customers, not just individuals who have disabilities.

MTO also provided detailed comments to Metrolinx regarding their Draft Regional Transportation Plan (RPT) regarding accessibility, universal access and the need to place more emphasis on the aging population. Some of Metrolinx' proposals outlined under their draft RPT issued earlier this fall include:

• Create a regional body to advise on matters related to universal access.
• Develop region-wide and local strategies to improve specialized transit coordination and delivery.

Focus area:

Customer Service / Information and Communications / Built Environment / Employment / Transportation

Impact:

Act / Regulation / Policy / Program / Service

Commitment:

Ongoing

Administer the accessibility agenda including provisions under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and its regulations as well as related corporate initiatives.

Implementation Timeframe:

October 2007 to November 2008 reporting period

Results Achieved:

• Under the direction of the Human Resources Branch, Corporate Services Division, an Accessibility Unit was established in January 2008. In Niagara Region, an informal networking partnership is being established with other jurisdictions to benefit surrounding communities.
• In consultation with various parties, including the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario, MTO has prepared and successfully implemented five accessibility plans to date.
• MTO Accessibility Committee was established in 2003 and is composed of cross-divisional members. This team is knowledgeable and dedicated to advancing the accessibility agenda and responsive to issues brought forward. The committee meets regularly and continues to be instrumental in promoting and improving accessibility across the organization. The team jointly administers and implements commitments outlined under the accessibility plan, monitors implementation progress and participates on various inter-ministerial and working groups. Their contribution assists with the shaping of the various accessibility standards under development as well as preparing for their implementation once regulated.
• Much of what the team has accomplished is a result of the ongoing support and commitment of the ministry's Senior Management Team.
• As the lead ministry on the Transportation Standard Development Committee, MTO provides a major contribution to the proposed Transportation Accessibility Standards. In addition to actively participating in all scheduled committee meetings, the MTO representatives liaise with program area experts, and ensure that documents are reviewed and reported on in a timely manner.
• MTO is contributing support and knowledge to the development of an AODA Compliance Assurance Framework.
• MTO also participated on both the AODA Lead Directors' and Lead Assistant Deputy Ministers' Committees.
• Additionally, MTO is an active participant on the Built Environment Inter-ministerial Committee. As required, MTO provides coordinated comments on various documents.

Focus area:

Transportation / Customer Service

Impact:

Service

Commitment:

New / Ongoing

Increase awareness and knowledge level of current and future accessibility requirements with stakeholders and partners.

Planned Action(s):

Continue to offer information sessions on accessibility requirements to various internal and external partners and stakeholders.

Implementation Timeframe:

October 2007 to November 2008 reporting period

Results Achieved:

During the fall of 2008, pertinent information on current and potential future accessibility requirements was delivered to the Ferry Liaison Committee in Eastern Region. Representatives from municipal, provincial and federal jurisdictions were in attendance.