Reducing Greyhound Transportation Services Could Have Domino Effect

Media Release

For Immediate Release | July 10, 2018

For some Canadians living in rural areas of Canada, including people with disabilities, inter-city bus transportation has been an important component of an independent lifestyle, as it connects them to friends and families living in other communities, doctor and dental appointments, and recreational  and economic opportunities. “The Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD) was dismayed to learn that Greyhound has announced plans to shut down its operations in parts of Canada, because this withdrawal of service will put in jeopardy the range of safe, independent choices available to the travelling public, including people with disabilities,” states Bob Brown, Co-Chairperson of CCD's Transportation Committee. 

Many Canadian communities are not served by passenger rail or air carriers. Not every Canadian has safe access to a personal vehicle. As 23 percent of Canadians with disabilities live in poverty, there is a segment of the disability community for whom renting, leasing or owning a vehicle is beyond their means.  For others, impairments, such as blindness, prevent them from obtaining a driver’s license.  Not everyone is willing to be dependent on friends and family members for transportation.  Hitchhiking can be a risky activity for women with disabilities and other people who are perceived to be vulnerable.

“CCD deeply regrets the decision by Greyhound to reduce its services, because, if people with disabilities do not have access to reliable transportation services, they will have to relocate to communities where transportation opportunities are more available.  For those Canadians with disabilities who find they must move, they will have to find housing and disability-related supports that they need as accommodations to address the barriers in their new environment,” states Brown. 

CCD is a social justice organization of people with all disabilities that champions the voices of people with disabilities, advocating an inclusive and accessible Canada, where people with disabilities have full realization of their human rights, as described in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).  CCD unites advocacy organizations of people with disabilities to defend and extend human rights for persons with disabilities through public education, advocacy, intervention in litigation, research, consultation and partnerships.  CCD amplifies the expertise of our partners by acting as a convening body and consensus builder.

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For more information contact:

Bob Brown, Co-Chairperson, CCD Transportation Committee
Email: bob.brown.001@hotmail.com