Users of the handyDART services in Kamloops should find it more accessible after a major boost from the province.

The province has given BC Transit a funding lift of $12.7 million over three years which will go towards increasing transit services, focusing on an expanded door-to-door service.

Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow

The boost will add an extra 8,000 hours of handyDART services in targeted communities each year, including 2,000 in Kamloops annually.

“The investment will go a long way to reduce the number of trip denials and boost handyDART service for those with disabilities, those with mobility issues, as well as seniors who use handyDART transport services,” said Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. "We are always working with BC Transit and local communities to find ways to increase and enhance services, and we are pleased to expand handyDART services, starting first in Kamloops.”

Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNowTodd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, announcing the funding lift in Kamloops on Friday morning.

Kamloops is the first B.C. community to sign on for the expansion of handyDART services. Currently, BC Transit is able to provide 500 rides per day with 3,200 registered handyDART users in Kamloops.

Frequent user of the handyDART, Vern Short, says the improved hours will allow more senior citizens and people with disabilities to regain their independent.

“The handyDART is meaningful and is certainly a very important link to those of us that need to get around to medical appointments … to have an opportunity to go shopping by ourselves without interrupting routines of family and friends,” said Short. “You don’t know how much that independence means to an individual that is now still able to get out there and move around on their own.”

Photo Credit: KamloopsBCNow

In addition to the $12.7 million, the province will also be providing $324 million in operating contributions over the next three years.

The investment aligns with the province’s 10-year plan, Accessibility 2024, to make B.C. the most progressive province in Canada for people with disabilities.