Written by J. Doell
Accessible and Alternative Forms of Transportation
Transportation plays a crucial role in everyday life. It allows people to access work, healthcare, social activities, U-Turn classes, and more! For individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), mobility or cognitive challenges can make the use of conventional public transit or private car use difficult. Below are a variety of different services that can assist in transportation along with how to set up appointments with them.
Handi Transport
Winnipeg Handi Transport services provides door-to door transportation for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use public transportation. Handi Transport provides transportation designed specifically for people with mobility limitations. The services are tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals who require additional assistance or accessibility features when travelling.
Before using Handi Transport, individuals must first fill out an application form. https://info.winnipegtransit.com/assets/1226/03-2021-_WTP_Application_Form.pdf
To apply, they should review the eligibility requirements on the Winnipeg Transit Plus website and complete the application form.
https://info.winnipegtransit.com/en/winnipeg-transit-plus/become-a-registrant/application-process/
The application can be sent to Winnipeg Transit Plus, Unit B-414 Osborne Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2A1 or faxed to 204-986-6555. Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed, and the applicant will likely need to attend a functional assessment at Winnipeg Transit’s office. The assessment is conducted to confirm eligibility, evaluate the individual’s ability to travel independently (if applicable), and determine how their mobility equipment (such as wheelchairs or walkers) can be accommodated on the vehicles. Then after your assessment, Winnipeg Transit plus will notify you in writing of the approval or denial of your application.
After receiving your approval, then trips can be booked using Handi-Transit Contact Center.
The following are 5 steps that are recommended from the Winnipeg Transit website:
1. Call the Contact Centre to book a trip. Using the number (204)-986-5722.
2. If you receive confirmation that your trip can be accommodated, you will be immediately provided with a 30-minute pickup window. Please make note of it, there is no need to confirm your trip again.
3. If your trip can not be accommodated based on availability at the time you make your request, you will be offered a different time. You may accept the alternate time, or ask to be put on a waitlist.
4. If you have opted in for notifications, a phone call the night before your trip will confirm details for you. Notifications will take place with both trips booked immediately or by waitlist.
5. If you have not opted-in for notifications and you are on a waitlist, you can check if your trip request has been accommodated by calling Transit Plus.
Winnipeg Transit Plus accepts cash, e-cash, tickets or e-passes. A current chart of Winnipeg Transit Plus’s 2024 rates can be found in the link below
(https://info.winnipegtransit.com/en/winnipeg-transit-plus/fare-structure/)
Handi Transport operates seven days a week, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and the Registration and Assessment unit is available Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Seniors Transport
Seniors Transport is a transportation service that strives to ensure a safe and dependable form of transportation for Seniors. They are a family based volunteer service designed to assist seniors and people who require mobility assistance, including those who have Parkinson’s Disease. The service is available to anyone aged 55 and older, residents of personal care homes, or anyone needing transportation assistance. There is no sign up fee or approval form required. The best part about Seniors Transport is that rides are offered on a donation basis, making it an affordable option for many.
Seniors Transport operates 7 days a week: Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday 8:00AM to 11:30 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM, and Sunday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
To book a ride with them, call (204) 430-9851 or check out their website by clicking the link for more information, https://www.seniorstransport.ca/
Ride Sharing Services: Uber and Lyft
In addition to conventional travel methods and the options above, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have continued to evolve into being an option for individuals living with PD. Both these services use smartphone apps or their websites to connect riders with drivers who can provide transportation. Each of these services provide options of different vehicle choices when signing up for a ride, this allows for individuals to find a vehicle that will be accessible for them, for example if an individual uses an assistive mobility device more space may be needed. These services are both available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. For individuals who are comfortable with technology, Uber and Lyft offer a level of flexibility and convenience that public transportation cannot.
To book a ride with Uber, an individual would need to go to their website, https://www.uber.com/ca/en/?uclick_id=a4bb8795-165f-4e01-b92f-7ccbfa23ce87.
After clicking the link, Uber will require you to make an account, it will likely require your name, email, and phone number. After making your account you will be able to book a ride. You will first need to type in your current location or where you want to be picked up, the location where you want to be driven to, and the time you would like this to occur. Then when your ride has been approved you should receive a confirmation and can wait for your ride. Rates when using Uber will vary depending on the distance and time needed to get to a location, an approximate amount should appear before you confirm your ride.
To book a ride with Lyft, you can click the following link to see their website https://lyft.com/ride-with-lyft. After clicking the “Get a Ride” tab they require a phone number and will send you a message to download the Lyft app. Once the app is downloaded you will create an account, and can book a ride by submitting the location you want to be picked up from and where you want to go. Rates with Lyft will vary depending on the distance and size of vehicle chosen.
Alternative forms of Transportation
Accessible and alternative forms of transportation are necessary for the aging population and individuals living with PD as medical appointments, social activities, and the ability to maintain a sense of independence is important. While services like Handi Transport, Seniors Transport, and ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft vary in their eligibility, cost and flexibility, they all aim to make transportation safer, more convenient, and accessible for those who need it. In the process of providing transportation options, these services, whether providing specialized door-to-door service or convenient on-demand rides can promote independence and improve the quality of life of people living with PD.
Have a question?
Call: 204-510-4869
Email: info@uturnpd.org