Handi-Transit riders pleased with service: poll

An Oraclepoll Research survey of Handi-Transit riders in Greater Sudbury found a high level of overall satisfaction with the service, although some want improved wait times.

Results of the survey were presented to the operations committee on April 2.

The telephone poll of 292 riders was conducted in February, and focused on finding out whether people who use Handi-Transit were looking for improvements in service.

In all, 89 per cent of participants are satisfied with the service, but 46 per cent said they had to wait more than five minutes for other passengers to board, which is beyond the preferred waiting period of five minutes or less identified by 59 per cent of those surveyed.

The survey results and comments gathered during public meetings held in November 2012 will be used to prepare recommendations for the Greater Sudbury Accessibility Advisory Panel in late April.

Increasing demand has prompted a review of Handi-Transit policies and operations to maintain quality and efficiency of the service.

To view the survey questions and results, go to www.greatersudbury.ca/handitransitsurvey.

Greater Sudbury Handi-Transit provides transportation to some 1,500 residents who have physical disabilities and are unable to use the regular transit system.

Greater Sudbury Transit manages the contract, currently held by Leuschen Bros. Ltd. and Student Transportation of Canada Inc., for vehicles and service.