Toronto’s on-demand Accessible debacle

I dare to say the quiet part out loud

I’ve been wasting time all week, leaving phone messages and sending emails for government employees, private sector suppliers, and advocates for persons with disabilities who would like to have on-demand Accessible Taxi services.

I am appalled with myself, really, for pretending there is any other reason for the complete collapse of on-demand Accessible than the one that is already very clear.

Toronto opted to allow open-entry for an unlimited number of ride hail vehicles in 2016, and this alone killed the ability for Wheelchair Accessible Van owners.

This reality has been explained to staff and elected politicians in writing; in person; in private and in public meetings. Toronto officials paid with taxpayer dollars have opted to ignore this reality.

Ontario officials, responsible for administering the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, have also chosen to ignore this reality. The office for the Minister of Seniors and Accessiblity has been studiously ignoring emails for over a month.

I guess, at the end of the day, consumers who love instant and inexpensive ride hail services are ignoring this reality too, although I imagine very few see it this way.

Canadians used to take pride in showing caring and compassion for those who need extra help and are entitled to it under the Human Rights Act. Maybe not so much anymore; I think actually the Medical Assistance in Dying program has greased the rails toward a callous society which just wishes people who need extra help would go away.

Yes, I typed those words. I said the quiet part out loud.

C’mon, Toronto. Ontario. Canada.

Prove me wrong.

Please.