TransLink has implemented the first of a series of recommendations to improve its custom transit service, HandyDart, by extending the booking window by four hours. Beginning Monday, May 1, the cut-off for customers to request a next-day HandyDart trip extends from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. TransLink customers have been asking for increased flexibility in trip booking and the agency is pleased to be able to deliver it.
Extending the booking window is one of the recommendations coming from the recent Custom Transit Service Delivery Review.
In June 2016, the TransLink Board committed to review the policies and delivery model for HandyDart. This review involved extensive engagement with stakeholders, research on peer agencies in other Canadian cities and industry best practice, and engagement with technical experts.
A number of recommendations designed to improve the customer experience and the availability of trips and improve the service delivery model were presented to and accepted by the board at its quarterly meeting on March 30, 2017.
TransLink will move quickly to implement these recommendations, including developing implementation plans for long-term items.
HandyDart service increases
TransLink is adding 85,500 trips in 2017 as part of the Mayors’ Council’s 10-year Vision. A total of 171,000 trips will be added over the next three years, which represents a 15 per cent increase in service over 2016 levels.
