Daniel Boyer says that there is no direct route for Para Transpo to get to the temporary arena
A long-time fan of Ottawa’s major junior hockey team is worried about how hard it will be to get to upcoming playoff games using accessible transit services run by two different cities.
Daniel Boyer said he has been a season ticket holder for the Ottawa 67’s for more than 25 years. Because he uses a wheelchair, he must use Para Transpo in Ottawa to get to games.
Ottawa’s home games usually take place at TD Place arena, but the men’s world curling championship has caused the team to have to play its first two or three playoff games across the river in Gatineau, Que., at the Centre Slush Puppie.
Para Transpo won’t take Boyer or other users directly to the arena, even though this might not be a big deal for many hockey fans.
This means he will have to switch to a vehicle that is easier for him to use.Société de transport de l’Outaouais (STO) in Gatineau.
It’s too bad because for many people with disabilities, that was their only chance to get out of the house all week.– Catherine Gardner, a user of Paratransit
Boyer, who speaks both French and English, said, “The problem is that I don’t know how to do that.”
Both accessible transit systems require riders to schedule pick-up and drop-off times at least 24 hours in advance and be ready 15–30 minutes before the bus arrives.
If a passenger misses or is late for the bus, it won’t wait, and another one won’t come to take its place. So, Boyer said, “you’re screwed” if a hockey game went into extra time.
Better integration, planning neede
Laura Shantz, who works to improve public transportation, said that the two systems could work together better. Right now, riders have to “constantly” try to guess when they might need a car.
Shantz said, “It really makes it hard to go out.”
Shantz said that taking accessible public transportation from downtown Ottawa to the Gatineau arena could take more than an hour. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from downtown Ottawa to the Gatineau arena.
Catherine Gardner, who used to be chair of the accessibility advisory committee for the City of Ottawa, uses a walker and a wheelchair and takes Para Transpo at least five times a week.
She has also taken the STO service to get to Chelsea, Que., and hasn’t had any problems with it.
“You might not get it on time, but I get where I need to go when I need to,” Gardner said.
She agrees that there are a few extra steps, and she thinks there should be a direct way to the arena for the 67’s playoff games.
“It’s too bad because for a lot of people with disabilities, that was their only chance to get out of the house all week,” Gardner said.
In an email, a representative for the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, which owns the 67’s, said that staff are working with Para Transpo to figure out how to get to the two playoff games in Gatineau.
The team will also offer a free shuttle from Carleton University to the games for people who need help getting there.