DATS News Disabled Adult Transit Service September 2018

Transcription

1 DATS News Disabled Adult Transit Service September 2018 DAG Members Wanted DAG (the DATS Advisory Group) has immediate openings for: - 2 User Representatives (DATS users) - 1 Member at Large (non-dats user) Applications must be received by September 30, To find out more about joining DAG please contact Shirley Masterson at or by ing: shirley.masterson@edmonton.ca. Note: these are volunteer positions. DATS Open House 11am - 2pm, Thursday, September 13 Percy Wickman Garage Street NW Tours, presentations, displays and more! See page 3 for more information, and join us September 13th. Please see DATS Notes, on page 6 for more information about DAG.

2 Manager s Message I m very excited once again to invite you all to the 2018 DATS Open House, from 11am - 2pm, Thursday, September 13th. Once every two years we open our doors to the public, giving everyone a chance to see first-hand how our service works for you. Again this year there will be tours of Percy Wickman Garage, presentations, displays, and a chance for you to meet some of the team members that work so hard to deliver such a vital service to Edmontonians. I am also pleased to announce that security camera installation on DATS buses is underway, if not already complete, when you read this. Camera installation has been implemented to align with safety and security standards across all ETS vehicles and properties, and paratransit industry best practices. They are there for your safety, and for the safety of our drivers. Video is not actively monitored and is only ever used for investigating incidents by authorized personnel. We take your privacy very seriously, and are following the City of Edmonton s rigorous privacy standards. For more information about cameras on ETS vehicles, see page 4, or contact 311. Finally, the next phase of the Bus Network Redesign project is underway. Visit edmonton.ca/newbusroutes for upcoming chances to provide feedback on the Bus Network Redesign project, and to view detailed maps of the proposed network. Thank you for your input so far. Your opinion is important to developing an inclusive and accessible service for all Edmontonians. Community Notes Voice of Albertans with Disabilities Accessibility Conference and Forum October 18-19, 2018 Radison Hotel Avenue NW, Edmonton VAD is hosting its first Accessibility Conference and Forum Oct 18-19, featuring two days of dialogue and information, with an evening reception, daytime workshops and more. The theme is Together, We Hold the Power! The purpose of the conference and forum will be to showcase where and how the community is moving forward toward inclusion and accessibility in Canadian society. A focus will be on action, strategies and tools that you can use. Registration is required. For information on how to register, sponsor a delegate to attend, or become a conference sponsor, visit vadsociety.ca or call (780) The VAD website also includes a full list of speakers, presentations and forums. See you at the Open House! Paul Schmold, Manager Paratransit Page 2

3 DATS Open House am - 2pm, Thursday, September 13 You re invited to meet DATS team members, take a tour of Percy Wickman Garage, and learn about some of the latest initiatives and technologies serving DATS clients. Tours From our Garage to the Call Centre to Scheduling to Operations, learn about how we deliver our service and meet face-to-face with DATS team members. Tour groups launch every ten to fifteen minutes. Presentations There will be a Q and A session with Paul Schmold, Manager Paratransit. Submit your questions when you arrive, and Mr. Schmold will answer them later in Boardroom 1. In Boardroom 2, there will be a demonstration of our new IVR features, including text messaging to check on a ride, and how to use our new call centre Option 5 self-serve features. Displays Learn about our dispatching software and how we organize thousands of trips in one day. Tour the ETS fleet of vehicles. Meet some of our DAG members (the DATS Advisory Group), who represent DATS users and other members of the community and meet monthly. More! Jojo the Clown will be there for balloon animals, and expect refreshments and treats for everyone who attends. Flyers and brochures will be available to take home some of the information that you learn. Need a Ride? Book your trips to and from the Open House on DATS starting Monday, September 10. Community Notes Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2018 The Special Olympics Summer Games were held earlier this summer in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, with a number of Edmontonian athletes competing (some of whom are DATS clients) in athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, softball and swimming. Team Alberta was awarded 43 Gold, 47 Silver and 29 Bronze medals at this year s Summer Games. Top athletes may be selected to compete in the World Special Olympic Games, March 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Congratulations to all participants at this year s Special Olympics Canada Summer Games! Do you have an event to share that is relevant to the DATS community? Let us know by sending an to dats@edmonton.ca with the subject line DATS Newsletter. DATS News, September 2018

4 DATS Notes DATS Operator Assistance Operators assist clients with: - Positioning their mobility aid on the vehicle lift - Safely securing mobility aids to the floor of the DATS vehicle. - Correctly securing the shoulder strap/lap belt - Getting on and off DATS vehicles. - Exiting the vehicle to the first set of accessible doors. Operators Do Not: - Make repairs or adjustments to mobility aids. - Help with parcels or baggage, so limit possessions to those you can carry, or travel with an attendant who can assist you. - Enter your premises under any circumstances. - Lift wheelchairs or schooters up or down stairs. All wheelchairs and scooters must be at ground level when the Operator arrives, unless you have a DATSapproved ramp. DATS Security Camera FAQ In August and September, security cameras have been/are being installed on all DATS vehicles, in accordance with ETS security and safety requirements, as well as City of Edmonton s rigorous privacy standards. Why is DATS installing cameras on buses? We are installing cameras for the safety and security of all DATS clients, care-givers and Operators. How many cameras are being installed? Each DATS bus will have seven security cameras. Four cameras monitor each side of the bus (one facing forward, one backward, and one on each side). One camera covers the cabin. One monitors the front door and one monitors the lift and lift door. Who can watch security video? In general, security video is recorded and stored until it is requested by ETS security personnel or Edmonton Police Service. The cameras are not actively monitored, however if a DATS Operator is in an emergency situation, they can activate a live-feed at ETS control. This allows them to assess if a collision or other emergency situation has occurred, and whether to send emergency response personnel to the scene. What about my privacy? The camera installation is in accordance with the Alberta Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP). Collection of recordings is authorized under section 33(c) of FOIP. For more information about security cameras, FOIP, and your safety and security while riding ETS, please contact 311. Page 4

5 DATS Code of Conduct We would like to remind all DATS clients of our Code of Conduct, which is based on the Code of Conduct for all ETS passengers. Our commitment to safety, customer service and respect are reflected in this Code of Conduct. Expectation of Customers Customers will be respectful of all DATS employees, including Call Centre staff and drivers, and will demonstrate appropriate behaviour at all times. Customers will refrain from negative language and behaviours (for example: uncooperative behaviour, derogatory words, yelling, spitting, hitting, etc...). In circumstances where behaviours are not controlled, it is the responsibility of the applicant/proxy/caregiver to reveal this information to DATS. A Mandatory Attendant may be assigned to ensure the safety of everyone on board the vehicle. Customers will be respectful of the DATS service and other passengers and will: - Book trips 3 days in advance, or with as much advance notice as possible - Be ready and waiting at the start of the pick-up window. - Pay the set trip fare (single ticket, pass, or exact sum of money accepted). - Cancel unneeded trips as soon as possible. Customers will be respectful and safe passengers when on the vehicle and will: - Refrain from eating or drinking while on board the vehicle (except with valid medical reasons), and place litter in designated receptacles. - Remain in the seat/designated space and not attempt to enter or leave the vehicle when it is in motion, or when it is declared unsafe by the operator. - Refrain from smoking in or near a vehicle. - Respect property and not cause damage or jeopardize the safety of others. - Only bring certified assistance/service animals on board the vehicle. - Inform DATS immediately if there is a medical/safety concern that could impact others (for example, contagious illness). For further information, please contact DATS Client Services at (780) (Option 4). DATS Notes, cont. New Phone Menu Options DATS team members have been working hard at re-recording and reworking our Client Services phone messaging. You may have noticed a new option on the phone when you call DATS Client Services. Our option 5 is now live and can be used for optional self-serve IVR. This automated system includes: - Where s My Ride - check on a ride within the next 90 minutes - Trip Listing - review a list of scheduled trips - Cancel a Trip To use these features, you must enter your DATS user ID, and your passcode, which will be mailed to you. DATS Client File Updates Please let DATS know if there are any changes to make to your records on file, including: Ÿ Change of address Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Change of phone number Change of other contact information ( , emergency contacts) How you d prefer us to contact you (mail, , phone) Any other changes that might affect your service (new equipment) Contact DATS at (780) (Option 2) to let us know of any changes. DATS News, September 2018

6 DATS Notes Holiday Booking Schedule DAG Members Wanted LABOUR DAY 2018 What is DAG? The DATS Advisory Group (DAG) provides advice to the Edmonton Transit Service in the planning and operation of DATS, and in the development of other transportation policies and programs that affect persons with disabilities. DATS will operate on a holiday schedule (the Client Services Centre will be closed) on: - Labour Day Monday, September 3, 2018 There are 12 members appointed for two year terms. The DATS Advisory Group is composed of: five persons representing disabled and elderly consumer groups; six persons representing service users; and one community-atlarge representative. DATS is looking for motivated individuals to be members of their voluntary advisory committee (DAG) and provide input based on their experience at using DATS. Members must be residents of Edmonton. DAG members must commit to two (2) years with two potential (2) extensions. Work outside of regular monthly meetings is done using and members must have access to in order to fully participate in a timely manner. DAG requires a monthly commitment as well. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. A light supper is provided. For members requiring transit or DATS fare to attend, this is arranged as needed. Page 6 Note: Subscription bookings will be cancelled Monday, September 3. If you still require your subscription booking on these days, call (option 2) to book it. THANKSGIVING 2018 DATS will operate on a holiday schedule (the Client Services Centre will be closed) on: - Thanksgiving Monday, October 8, 2018 Note: Subscription bookings will be cancelled Monday, October 8. If you still require your subscription booking on this day, call (option 2) to book it.

7 September 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday August 26 August 27 August 28 August 29 August 30 August 31 1 Can book for: Can book for: Sept 1 (till Sept 2, 3, 4, 5 noon) (till noon) Sept 2, 3, 4 2 Can book for: Sept 3, 4, 5, 6 (till noon) 3 HOLIDAY 4 Labour Day Regular booking schedule resumes Client Services Centre Closed Subscription trips cancelled Open House 11-2 October 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Can book for: Can book for: Oct 6 (till Oct 7, 8, 9, 10 noon) (till noon) Oct 7, 8, 9 7 Can book for: Oct 8, 9, 10, 11 (till noon) 8 HOLIDAY Thanksgiving Client Services Centre Closed Regular booking schedule resumes Subscription trips cancelled DATS News, September 2018

8 DATS News, Sept Published by DATS, six times annually Circulation 6,500. Please direct comments/submissions to: DATS, Percy Wickman Garage Street Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2X3 Phone: (780) Fax: (780) Edmonton Transit System: Editor Jason Magee Contributors this Issue The DATS Advisory Group, Shirley Masterson, Glenda Roberts, Caroline Wenzel. Contact DATS DATS Client Service Centre To cancel a trip or to check on a late ride: Press 1 4To book or change a trip: Press 2 4To register for DATS: Press 3 4To submit a commendation, concern or any other inquiry: Press 4 Nextalk Lost & Found / Website DATS@edmonton.ca takeets.com/dats DATS Client Service Centre Trip Booking: Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon Registration, Commendations, Concerns Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. DATS Client Service Centre Outside of Regular Hours: (trip cancels, checking late ride) Monday to Thursday: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday: 5:00 a.m. to midnight Saturday: 6:00 a.m. to midnight Sunday and holidays: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Newsletters Would you like to receive a copy of the DATS Newsletter by ? Just send an to: dats@edmonton.ca - please put DATS Newsletter in the subject line. Or call us at Return undeliverable Canadian address to: City of Edmonton - City Operations 15th Floor, Edmonton Tower Avenue NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0J4