For months, users have been sounding the alarm about the cuts in paratransit (TA) services. In Montreal, but also in the regions. For tens of thousands of Quebecers, however, this service is essential.
The TA is used to transport many people with reduced mobility – mental, physical or elderly disabilities – to doctor’s appointments, work, leisure, etc. In short, to lead their lives.
However, the problems have been increasing for years. In an aging society, that doesn’t bode well. Latest: TVA Nouvelles reported that the Société de transport de Montréal (STM), struggling with a shortage of private taxi drivers, must now deny the presence of an “optional” attendant to users who really need one.
Decreased quality of life
We don’t know if this measure will be permanent or temporary, but we quickly understand how it will negatively impact the quality of life of affected users.
More broadly, we are touching on two major social and political rifts here. 1) For AT and other services, the most vulnerable suffer more than the others once cuts are made. The pandemic has fully confirmed this.
2) The decision of policymakers to favor the private sector for services to the most vulnerable has serious consequences at the slightest scarcity.
The private choice
In Montreal, almost 90% of AT trips are performed by private taxis funded by public funds and just under 12% by STM minibuses.
For years this had already led to great disparities in the often uncertain quality of taxi service for users. Add in the lack of drivers and there you have it, the perfect storm.
However, instead of delivering high-quality public services, this decision to subcontract vital services to the most vulnerable out of private interests – paratransit being one of them – is not being questioned. But it should be…
