Sudbury's handi-transit won't be expanded

Sudbury city councillors turned down a suggestion that the handi-transit bus system be expanded to cover more of the city.

The staff report debated at a meeting Monday night was prompted by a citizen petition.

Staff argued that even a smaller increase in the areas covered by handi-transit could cost the city as much as $1 million more per year.

Sudbury Coun. Jacques Barbeau said the city is actively trying to get more handi-transit riders to take regular city buses, which are all fully accessible.

"Along the way you do upset some people, there's no doubt about it,” he said.

“There are frustrations and there are challenges, but it's the right thing to do."

But Coun. Claude Berthiaume said he could see both sides of the argument.

“I can see where we should be trying to provide the service to all the residents, no matter where they live in the city. But I also understand that the cost is quite a lot."

Barbeau said a staff review that hopes to clarify and possibly tighten up the rules on who is allowed to ride handi-transit is in its early stages.