Specialized Transportation Service (STS):
These are very similar to conventional transportation service. They must operate solely within Ontario and be provided by a designated public sector transportation organization. The big difference between the two is that STS is designed for passengers with disabilities and not for the general public.
Eligibility:
Since STS is not offered to the general public there is an approval process in place to make sure that only those who really need the service are allowed to use it. By law there are 3 categories that people can fall into.
Unconditional Eligibility: This is the simplest. Anyone with a permanent disability that prevents them from using conventional transportation. The most obvious examples are people who need wheelchairs or people who are blind.
Temporary Eligibility: This is typical of individuals who have temporary disabilities that are expected to heal after some time. People who get into accidents or suffer a disease that creates a temporary disability.
Conditional Eligibility: This is where the person’s disability can sometimes impact their ability to use conventional transportation services. There are many disabilities that are non-permanent. The disability can flare up and then go into remission. This is a very tricky grey area.
For conditional and temporary eligibility passengers, the STS may deny services only if the passenger is able to use conventional transportation and has access to it.
Fares:
The main principle here is that it should not cost more for people with disabilities to use public transportation than people without disabilities. Regardless of whether the STS and conventional transportation service (CTS) is operated by the same organization or not, if they operate in the same area the STS can not charge more than the highest fare of the CTS.
When the CTS and STS is operated by the same organization the payment structure must be the same. Payment structure is basically two parts:
- Payment media – Cash, Credit, token, or other methods
- Price Tiers – Different pricing for different groups such as children, adults, seniors.
Visitors/Companions:
When I say visitors I really mean tourists and people who do not frequently use STS. A visitor to the area who needs accessibility transit much be allowed to use as long as they can prove they had a disability that prevents them from using conventional transportation.
Companions are people who accompany a person with a disability. This can be a friend or family member. A person with a disability may bring a companion on the STS as long as there is enough space. Children and support persons are not considered companions.
Operation Hours / Booking:
For all STS that operate in the same region as a CTC, they must have the same hours of operation as the CTC, regardless of if they are operated by the same organization or not. Now when booking a trip, no STS can limit the number of trips a single person can take. If you plan a day where you take 20 different trips then the STS must legally provide you service for all of them (assuming you actually take all 20).