Pre-booked vs On-demand Wheel-Trans confuses Committee, staff

Questions reveal lack of understanding of “On Demand” service

TTC Committee members discussing centralized dispatch for accessible ground transportation services appeared to be confused by the difference between pre-booked rides and on-demand services.

The September 10th Toronto Transit Commission Committee meeting addressed the topic as its last order of business just before noon (“the shortest meeting ever!” Chair Jamaal Myers declared as the meeting ended). The Committee has accepted report recommendations that staff proceed with a feasiblity study on creating a centralized dispatch for Wheel-Trans managing both pre-booked rides and on-demand rides. Staff were originally directed to research this concept in December, 2024.

Co-op Cabs lobbyist (and former Toronto Councillor) Glenn DeBaeremaeker was clear and enthusiastic in supporting the concept of having Wheel-Trans run expand its centralized dispatch to include on-demand accessible ride requests as in addition to pre-booked rides. However, no Committee members had any questions to ask him and it became clear as as they questioned staff that no one involved in the conversation grasped the fact the current Wheel-Trans dispatch manages pre-booked trips and could quickly and simply be expanded to manage on-demand trips as well.

The cost of the feasibility study will be borne entirely by members of the ground transportation industry through the Accessibility Fund.