First Transit started operating TransLink HandyDART service in Vancouver.

HandyDART is a door-to-door, shared ride service for passengers with physical or cognitive disabilities who are unable to use conventional public transit without assistance.

First Transit hired more than 500 employees, providing each with training to book, schedule and operate 320 buses for the TransLink HandyDART service.

First Transit operates the TransLink HandyDART custom transit service including dispatch, reservations, and trip delivery on behalf of TransLink, after finalizing the terms of an agreement in March.

“We’re very proud to have long-standing partnerships in several Western Canada communities,” said John Peck, regional VP for First Transit. “We look forward to providing exceptional custom transit service to the citizens of Greater Vancouver.”

First Transit currently operates the majority of HandyDART service in British Columbia outside of Metro Vancouver on behalf of BC Transit, including Victoria, Kelowna, and Kamloops.