Para Bus may accept people without wheelchairs

Eight years after restricting the use of the Para Bus to people in wheelchairs, attendants and dialysis patients, Sault Transit is preparing to relax the eligibility criteria.

If approved by City Council next week, the new criteria would also allow people who can't climb or descend steps used on the regular City buses, and anyone who can't walk 175 metres.

"We are not recommending increasing the Para Bus budget," says Mark Anderson, chair of the Para Bus Advisory Committee.

"As in the past, it is anticipated that the Para Bus Transit service will continue to efficiently service all current Para Bus riders," Anderson says.

Access to the Para Bus was restricted in 1996 due to provincial cutbacks.

Transit Manager Don Scott says the new eligibility criteria can be accomodated within the existing budget, which funds 50 hours of Para Bus services per day.