TransLink to begin HandyDart contract talks with First Canada
TransLink’s board of directors has authorized the transit authority to begin negotiations with a new contractor for HandyDart, the doorto-door service for people with disabilities.
Last week, TransLink announced that after a six-month procurement process it had chosen First Canada to replace MVT Canadian Bus Inc. as the HandyDart service provider. The current contract expires on June 30, 2018.
“They understand the business and they came forward with a very strong proposal,” said Geoff Cross, vice-president of policy and planning, at Thursday’s board meeting.
First Canada’s contract will include providing dispatch, reservation and trip delivery functions. TransLink recently took over responsibility for customer service. The initial contract term would be three to four years, with the option for TransLink to extend the term for two additional one- or two-year periods.
TransLink believes the new contract — which includes standards tied to financial levers and more rigorous reporting and monitoring requirements — will give it greater oversight and accountability for HandyDART’s operation than it has had in the past, and put it in a better position to improve customer service.
First Canada, which provides HandyDart service for B.C. Transit and operates some community shuttles for TransLink, has said it will recognize the union representing HandyDart workers and will hire current employees if they pass criminal records screening and First Canada’s drug and alcohol screening.
TransLink CEO Kevin Desmond said hiring current employees was a condition in the request for proposals for any qualified bidder.
“The vast majority, if not everyone, will be hired back,” he said.
Tyler Felbel, acting president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724, which represents HandyDart workers, said the HandyDart service has been treated like “the poor cousin” in the transit system.
“Your decision on the RFP today will have a long-term effect on our citizens with mobility challenges who rely on this important service to participate in society and live their lives,” Felbel said. “Your decision should not be based on political ideology that assumes contracting out is always the best option.”