(AGENPARL) – ven 17 febbraio 2023 [Manitoba Media Notice]
February 17, 2023
Manitoba Government Releases Proposed Accessible Transportation Standard Regulation
The Manitoba government is releasing its proposed Accessible Transportation Standard regulation for a 60-day public consultation period, Families Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today.
“Accessibility is a basic human right but many Manitobans still face significant barriers to obtaining safe and accessible transportation in and around their communities,” said Squires. “Our government is committed to increasing accessibility and public consultations are an important part of this work. I’m pleased Manitobans will have the opportunity to provide input on this proposed regulation.”
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act became law in December 2013, creating a proactive process for removing barriers affecting people with disabilities by establishing accessibility standards. These standards are building blocks for real, measurable and effective changes to support accessibility, the minister said.
Each standard outlines specific requirements and timelines for organizations that have a responsibility to eliminate barriers. The standards focus on customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and the design of public spaces.
Under the new regulation, conventional and paratransit operators will be required to create accessible measures, policies and practices on accessible transportation, and make these documents publicly available. Conventional transit and paratransit operators will also have to provide training to staff on the safe use of accessibility equipment, emergency preparedness and response procedures, among other instructions.
The standard will ensure that conventional transit buses meet minimum accessible design requirements, and that transit infrastructure is more accessible and maintained including being cleared of snow during the winter months.
Manitoba schools will also need to provide integrated accessible school transportation services or arrange alternative accessible transportation. School buses run by independent schools will have to meet minimum accessible design requirements.
Vehicles for hire that operate in a municipality with a vehicle for-hire bylaw will also have to meet minimum accessibility requirements, and municipalities will support planning and reporting related to accessible vehicles-for-hire.
To learn more about the proposed Accessible Transportation Standard and to provide feedback, visit the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal at [https://reg.gov.mb.ca](https://reg.gov.mb.ca/) or at EngageMB at https://engagemb.ca/accessible-transportation-standard-regulation. The consultation portal will be open until April 18.
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For more information:
– Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
– Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Communications and Stakeholder Relations: 204-451-7109.