Vancouver, B.C.-based TransLink’s board of directors will maintain TaxiSaver, reversing its original decision to eliminate the program.

The original decision grew out of discussions on how to meet growing demand for custom transit services, including HandyDART. The goal was to redirect funding from TaxiSaver to improve these services. On May 30, the board put that decision on hold pending further engagement with a broader range of stakeholders.

For the past several weeks, TransLink’s board and staff have been participating in meetings in the region to listen to concerns and discuss ideas. The board and staff heard that the TaxiSaver program provides a valuable service to those in need and is integral to making the transit system accessible for them.

Through this engagement, TransLink also heard many good ideas and suggestions on how to make overall custom transit services better for those who need it most.

TransLink is committed to working closely with Access Transit’s Users’ Advisory Committee, persons with disabilities, seniors and other stakeholders from across the region on an ongoing basis to help find ways of improving these services. By continuing to listen to a broad spectrum of stakeholders on their ideas, the agency’s goal is to continue to provide reliable, valuable and sustainable custom transit services.