Dear Editor: TransLink's chronic underfunding of HandyDart is discriminatory. HandyDart does not receive anywhere near the funding it needs to provide timely service for the community it serves (bookings must be made one week ahead) while TransLink spends billions on the construction of SkyTrain as well as on upgrades to roads, bridges and the standard transportation system. HandyDart passengers deserve their fair share of the TransLink pie. TransLink's planned contracting out of service to taxicabs will cause undue hardship for those forced to use this option. HandyDart drivers are trained in the special care for their passengers that their job requires, while taxicab drivers have no training of this kind whatsoever. They are paid by the trip and consequently do not have the time or patience needed to safely and courteously provide service for their HandyDart passengers.
TransLink must provide adequate funding to provide the professional and trained service HandyDart passengers need and deserve.
Andrew Phillips
Sapperton
