Manconi says Para Transpo expansion would need council support

The general manager for OC Transpo says expanding Para Transpo services to include people with cognitive disabilities — but no physical disabilities — would ultimately require direction from city council.

• John Manconi will be Ottawa Morning's guest on Tuesday. Listen at 91.5 FM in Ottawa
• Para Transpo should serve developmentally disabled, group says

John Manconi was responding to calls from advocates with the Ottawa-Carleton Association for Persons with Developmental Disabilities, who say some of its members struggle to use regular city buses.

Judy Bernstein, a director with the group, says parents of people with cognitive disabilities are often forced to drive them to work.

Manconi says the transit service needed by some with developmental disabilities goes further than what Para Transpo staffers currently do and would require more resources, including time, money and training.

He said even as is, the management of Para Transpo's limited capacity is a delicate, ethical question.

"What takes priority? Does a blood transfusion versus a social outing take priority? Those are both very important things," he said.

Bernstein said her group's next step may be a human rights class action lawsuit.

Poll question