To get immediate assistance when onboard, approach the driver, or any staff person, to inform them about your sight loss. Explain what problems you are experiencing and what assistance you require in as much detail as possible. When you disclose your disability to a staff person, you trigger that transit provider’s legal duty to accommodate you to the point of undue hardship.
You can ask for different kinds of assistance – for example, staff can help you by:
- Guiding you to a seat;
- Loading or unloading bags;
- Announcing stops; or,
- Advising you of any hazards or safety issues when exiting the vehicle.
If staff have problems with your requests, consider reminding them of their legal obligation to accommodate you, so you can have an equal level of access to the transportation service as everyone else.
If this does not help, you can gradually escalate your complaint – for example, to the municipality that is responsible for operating the bus.
If your concerns remain unresolved, consider consulting with a human rights lawyer about your options. To learn more about the options that may be available to you, visit the section of this handbook, titled What can I do to enforce my legal rights?
A note about Halifax Transit
Halifax Transit vehicles are required to make audio and visual stop announcements at each stop. This is done to assist transit users who have hearing loss or sight loss. If you find that you have difficulty relying on these signals due to technological inconsistencies, low volume, or any other reason, you can share your concerns by calling 311. You can also call 311 to express concerns about the behaviour of a Halifax Transit employee.
A note about accessible transportation in Nova Scotia
In Nova Scotia, there are a few alternative options to regular transportation services, which provide more accessible means of public transportation. These services vary by municipality and include:
Halifax Regional Municipality
- Access-a-Bus – provides door-to-door, shared ride services for people who are unable to use the conventional transit system due to physical or cognitive disabilities. If you are experiencing sight loss, you may be eligible to register for this service.
- Accessible Taxis – there are several accessible taxis available in the Halifax Regional Municipality, which can drive further distances to pick up passengers and are trained to spend more time providing assistance to passengers, where needed.
Communities outside the Halifax Regional Municipality
- The Rural Transportation Association is a province-wide body that provides information and a network of community-based door-to-door accessible ride providers.
- Cape Breton Regional Municipality Handi-Trans Service is a specialized transit service for registered clients, who are unable to use the conventional transit system.
- Other independent services – for example, transportation services through the Community Transportation Network.