Metrobus becomes more accessible

Metrobus added wheelchair accessible buses to three of its busiest St. John's routes this week, so people with mobility issues now have more options when it comes to getting around the city. 

"This is not a privilege for individuals to have transit. This is a basic human right," said Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth. 

"It's taken us a while to get there but we are there, and the key now is for us to build on the current services and improve the services we have."

The new buses have lowered floors, wider isles and doorways, as well as a no-step entrance for passengers. There is also an electric sign at the back of the bus, which alerts people to their stop. 

In the past, individuals with mobility issues had limited public transit options. The GoBus, for instance, which took over the para-transit service in St. John's in late 2011, must be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance of a ride. 

Kelly White, ‎the executive director at the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Newfoundland and Labrador, said many people struggle with commuting around the city. 

This modified Metrobus system, she said, opens up many possibilities for people with mobility issues.  

"The downtown route, the Village route, the mall, the colleges, Memorial University and the hospital — so that's great coverage," White said. 

"And as they can make more routes accessible, and get in more buses that lower, more routes will be added."

Meanwhile, Ellsworth said the city will continue to modify transportation services to better help those with mobility issues. 

"We have accessible taxis that are hitting the streets now," he said. 

"We have two that are out now and, as of Monday past, Mayor O'Keefe and council approved a request for proposals for another seven accessible taxis to be on the street. So now we'll have a full fleet of services that people can avail of."

Check out the new buses in the video player above.