By Tom Mark

Lake Country Improving Accessibility To Bus Stops

Nov 24, 2017 | 7:51 AM

The District of Lake Country is committing to ensure all of its 54 bus stops are safely wheelchair accessible.

Thirteen stops currently meet BC Transit Infrastructure guidelines for accessibility.

Mayor James Baker says staff are directed to work through the District’s Transportation for Tomorrow program to get it done.

“We’re trying to make it as inclusive a community as possible but there are country roads that don’t have sidewalks and bus drivers can’t lower a ramp onto a mud puddle.”

Baker says the plan is to have good pads at all of the bus stops to make them wheelchair accessible.

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The venture isn’t cheap.

“It costs from three to five thousand dollars to upgrade everyone of them to wheelchair accessible, so it’s an item to make sure we budget for.”

Depending on design and construction, costs can range up to 10 thousand dollars.

It’s hoped a further sixteen stops will be made accessible in the next five years with all stops done over ten years.

“We know where there’s wheelchair people that would use a bus if they had good on and off areas for the bus at the bus stops.”

Baker says the District is going after every program grant that’s available to help pay for the work.

Two stops on Highway 97 may be eligible for funding through the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Transit Minor Betterments Program.

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