Striving to undo ‘a very black day’
Province announces transportation supplement for people with disabilities
British Columbians on disability assistance will receive a $52 supplement to pay for transportation, including an annual transit pass, starting on Jan. 1.
Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson made the announcement in Victoria on Monday morning.
“I have probably heard more from people about the bus pass than any other issue,” Simpson said.
“It’s been a long-standing issue. I know that people have felt anxious to know that we would find a resolution to this.”
Last September, the B.C. Liberals increased disability payments for approximately 110,000 British Columbians by $77 per month. But at the same time they began deducting $52 per month for a bus pass, or $66 per month for a transportation subsidy, from that increase. Previously, people with disabilities paid $45 per year for a transit pass.
“When the previous government announced they would be making a significant change to the way that people accessed transportation support, it was a very black day for our community,” said Jane Dyson, executive director of Disability Alliance B.C. “I heard from so many people who were devastated at this change.”
In the Sept. 8 throne speech, the B.C. NDP promised people with disabilities access to an annual transit pass, if they want one, starting Jan. 1, 2018. Monday was the first time the public learned how the pass would be implemented.
British Columbians who have the persons with disabilities (PWD) designation will automatically receive a transportation supplement on their monthly assistance cheque, which will be in addition to their base amount and any other supplements they receive. The first supplement will appear on the Dec. 20, 2017 payment.
That supplement can be used for a transit pass — good for use on the TransLink system in the Lower Mainland and B.C. Transit elsewhere — or to fund any kind of transportation a person finds convenient, whether it’s paying a
neighbour for a ride or a trip on HandyDart.
“We’re prepared and happy to arrange those bus passes for people if they want the annualized bus pass,” Simpson said.
People can opt in or out of the transit pass each month, if they choose.
Simpson said he consulted with people with disabilities and advocacy groups to come up with the best solution.
“I’m very pleased today that the new government has made transportation for people with disabilities a priority — not only for those who choose a bus pass but for everyone on PWD,” said Faith Bodnar, executive director of Inclusion B.C.
Dyson said it was a “good news” day and commended Simpson on moving quickly on the transit pass issue.
“Today we see a very, very significant fix to the problem that was implemented a number of months ago,” she said. “We see a supplement that will help ensure equitable access across the province for people with disabilities who need support to live with dignity and independence in their communities.”
Neil Belanger, executive director of B.C. Aboriginal Network on Disability Society, said he looks forward to seeing more positive steps forward for people with disabilities in B.C.
Some people with disabilities have called for an earlier start to the program, or for transit pass fees to be waived until the new supplement comes into effect on Jan. 1, to prevent people from becoming isolated during the winter months.
Simpson said he’s fielded a few calls on the topic. He said computer systems have to be changed to bring in the supplement and that work won’t be completed until late November or early December.
On waiving the fees in the meantime, he said, “I very much appreciate that, I understand the request. I’ve not asked for that money and I’m not in a position to be able to do that. I know for some people that will be disappointing.”
He said he hopes people will be understanding and patient.
The supplement is expected to cost $23 million to implement and about $70 million each year.
The B.C. NDP has made a number of changes to disability assistance since the party came into power this summer. On Sept. 20, people on income assistance and disability began receiving an additional $100 a month.
The new monthly rates are $1,133 for a person receiving disability assistance and $710 for a person on income assistance.
The earnings exemption for people on income and disability assistance was also increased beginning Oct. 1.
People on income assistance will be able to earn an additional $200 per month, while those on disability will see their annual earnings exemption increase by $2,400 per year.