DATS News Disabled Adult Transit Service May 2018 DAG Volunteer Wanted DATS Advisory Group (DAG) has an immediate opening for a User Representative Position. Applications must be received by May 31, 2018. To find out more about joining DAG, please contact Shirley Masterson at (780) 496-4554 or by emailing shirley.masterson@edmonton.ca. Details: DATS is looking for motivated individuals to be members of their voluntary advisory committee, and provide input based on their experiences using DATS. Members must be residents of Edmonton, commit to a two-year term, with the possibility of two term extensions. DAG work outside of monthly meetings is done using email - DAG members must be able to access email 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. DATS 311 The DATS Advisory Group (DAG) hosts regular information sessions called DATS 311. It is a great way to get a better understanding of how DATS works. These information sessions are aimed at DATS clients old and new, agency staff, care-givers, family members and anyone considering applying for DATS. The next DATS 311 is Tuesday, June 12th at 2:00 p.m. at the DATS office. Sessions usually run anywhere from 90 minutes to two hours. They include a presentation by members of DAG as well as an opportunity to take a tour of DATS. The deadline to register for the next session is June 6th, Call Shirley at 780-496-4554 or email us: dats@edmonton.ca to book your spot.
Manager s Message You may have heard that Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) has a new draft bus network plan and we need your help to refine it. This bus route project is the first major action coming out of the Transit Strategy and it will change how people move around our community in 2020. Although the network redesign looks at changing Edmonton s conventional transit bus routes, the project could also impact DATS services. For example, we may see an increased demand for DATS in areas where walking distance is increased from five minutes to ten minutes. We may also find new bus routes that better serve Edmontonians with mobility challenges and an opportunity to transition some clients to conventional transit. We are busy working behind-the-scenes to ensure the needs of our DATS clients are taken into account as the future bus network is developed. Your opinion is important, whether you currently use conventional transit or not. Until June 14, join us at one of the many accessible drop-in community workshops around the city. If you require interpretation or visual supports, please contact 311 or email newbusroutes@edmonton.ca so our team can make arrangements for your workshop participation. Alternatively, you can also complete an online survey at edmonton.ca/newbusroutes. This website includes more detailed information, short videos, and interactive maps. Your participation is vital to developing an inclusive new bus network that meets the needs of more Edmontonians. All of us at ETS look forward to receiving your comments. Paul Schmold Manager - Paratransit DATS Notes Spring Weather Reminder Remember to dress for all seasons during the springtime, especially if your trips are far apart. The weather can change from warm and sunny to sleet and rain (and even snow) without warning in Edmonton. Be prepared. Bring an umbrella and an extra layer, just in case. Service Animals on DATS Clients who use service dogs are allowed to use any public transit, including DATS. If you see someone with a service dog, remember: - Do not distract the dog or interfere with their job - Never offer food to a service dog - Please do not photograph or record a service dog without permission - Do not be offended if a service dog handler will not let you pet their dog - Treat service dog handlers with dignity - speak to the person and not the dog. Do not ask personal questions about their disability - Do not ask for the dog to do any demonstrations If you have any questions about traveling with service dogs on DATS, please contact Client Services at (780) 496-4567. Page 2
Operator Assistance DATS Operators have a specific list of duties, based on our service standards and our core business values. Here is a quick list of what to expect from your DATS Operator on each and every trip you take with DATS. DATS 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 DATS 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 scooters up or down stairs. All wheelchairs and scooters must be at ground level when the Operator arrives, unless you have a DATS approved ramp. If you have questions, concerns or do not have an approved ramp, please contact DATS at (780) 496-4567 (Option 4) to schedule an assessment by an Operations Supervisor. DATS Notes, cont. CD Fresh Express You may have seen this in the news recently: an old refurbished transit but has been re-purposed as a mobile grocery store, delivering fresh produce and baked goods to senior and group homes throughout Edmonton. The family-owned business features competitive prices for food from local farmers markets and other regions, and local bakeries. Find them on facebook to see if the CD Fresh Express bus is visiting you soon! New Phone Menu Options DATS team members have been working hard at re-recording and reworking our Client Services phone messaging. You may have also noticed a new option on the phone when you call DATS Client Services. 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 may have been sent to you in the mail, or is on it way! DATS News, May 2018
May/June Event Schedule Festival season in Festival City begins again in the spring months, and DATS is ready to get you to your favourite events. Here is a short list of popular activities for May and June. Nextfest May 31 - June 10, 2018 Next generation s up-and-coming artists and creators converge at this multidisciplinary festival at various locations throughout the city. From live theatre to music to visual arts, Nextfest is an inclusive and inexpensive celebration of the arts. Visit nextfest.org for more information and venue listings. Sustainaval - The World s First Green Carnival June 7-10, 2018 - Edmonton Expo Centre Rides, games, prizes, food and more, run entirely upon green energy, invades the Edmonton Expo Centre for its second summer. This family friendly-event is a unique summer carnival for everyone. Visit sustainanival.com for more information. Edmonton Pride Festival June 8-17, 2018 Celebrate Edmonton s diversity, unity and pride during one of western Canada s largest LGBTQ festival weeks in various venues throughout Edmonton. The Pride Parade kicks off events along Whyte Ave. June 9th from 11am to 1pm. Visit edmontonpride.ca for more information. May 2009 - Amarjit S. Freewill Shakespeare Festival June 19 - July 15, 2018 Presenting the best of Shakespearean repertory theatre at the Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park, enjoy Comedy of Errors and Hamlet this year, under the summer skies. Visit freewillshakespeare.com for tickets and showtimes. The Works Art and Design Festival June 21 - July 3 - NEW LOCATION Enjoy free art and crafts at Capital Plaza north of the Legislature, for two straight weeks, including walking art tours, art demonstrations, live music, entertainment and more. Visit theworks.ab.ca for more information about venues and exhibits. Edmonton International Jazz Festival June 22 - July 1, 2018 From free jazz at Churchill Square to various paid events throughout the city, if you re into jazz music, this festival is sure to please, featuring artists from around the world. Go to edmontonjazz.com for event and venue listings. Hawrelak Park s Heritage Amphitheatre - home to many festivals throughout the summer. Page 4
DATS Booking and Scheduling One of the biggest challenges at DATS is booking and scheduling thousands of trips a day during the busiest parts of the week. Some days, our service simply doesn t have the resources to meet demand during the busiest hours of the day. Drivers have to meet specific shift requirements, our garage can only maintain a certain number of buses, and our contracted services can only take on so many clients. With an increase in demand, an aging population, and Edmonton s ever-changing weather, we face challenges every day to deliver as many trips as possible to Edmontonians. One of the many ways that we can help get you to your destination is by scheduling trips outside peak hours. 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 Consider making non-essential appointments outside peak hours. This chart shows total number of trips (in thousands) for all of 2017, per hour. Our busiest hours are in the late morning, and mid-late afternoon. Try booking a trip in the early morning, or in the evening. While we understand that not all trips can be booked outside peak times, you may find greater success in booking demand trips at these times. DATS News, May 2018
DATS Notes, cont Requesting Emergency Assistance Blue Phones - If you are using ETS buses or LRT, and are in need of emergency assistance, look for Blue Emergency Help Phones in all LRT stations, major bus terminals and some city pedways. To activate, press the button and you will be connected directly with ETS security personnel, and a surveillance camera is directed to monitor nearby activity. Red Emergency Buttons - Found throughout downtown, these red buttons also connect directly with nearby ETS security personnel and cameras. Holiday Booking Schedule VICTORIA DAY 2018 DATS will operate on a holiday schedule (the Client Services Centre will be closed) on: - Victoria Day, Monday, May 21, 2018 Note: Subscription bookings will be cancelled Monday, May 21, 2018. If you still require your subscription booking on this day, call 780-496-4567 (option 2) to book it. CANADA DAY 2018 DATS will operate on a holiday schedule (the Client Services Centre will be closed) on: - Monday, July 2, 2018 (statutory holiday in lieu) The Client Service Centre will be open: - Sunday, July 1, 2018 Note: Subscription bookings will be cancelled Monday, July 2. If you still require your subscription booking on these days, call 780-496-4567 (option 2) to book it. Page 6 Esks Fans Ride Free Show your Edmonton Eskimos ticket or ticket stub two hours before, during and two hours after every Edmonton Eskimos home game as your Ticket to Ride fare, including LRT, DATS and ETS park and ride services. Eskimos pre-season starts May 27 and the regular season home opener is June 22.
May 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Can book for: Can book for: Can book for: May 18 (till May 19 (till May 20 (till noon) noon) noon) May 19, 20, 21 May 20, 21, 22 May 21, 22, 23 20 21 HOLIDAY 22 23 24 25 26 Victoria Day Can book for: Regular May 21, 22 (till Client Services booking noon) Centre Closed schedule 23, 24 resumes Subscription trips cancelled 27 28 29 30 31 June 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Can book for: Can book for: Can book for: June 29 (till June 30 (till July 1, 2 noon) noon) (till noon) June 30, July 1, 2, 3 July 3, 4 July 1, 2 July 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Canada Day 2 HOLIDAY 3 Client Services Lieu Day Centre Open Subscription trips not cancelled Client Services Centre Closed Subscription trips cancelled Regular booking schedule resumes DATS Client Services 780-496-4567 E-mail / Website DATS@edmonton.ca www.takeets.com/dats DATS News, May 2018
DATS News, May 2018 Published by DATS, six times annually Circulation 6,500. Please direct comments/submissions to: DATS, Wickman Garage 5610-86 Street Edmonton, Alberta T6E 2X3 Phone: (780) 496-4567 Fax: (780) 496-1008 Edmonton Transit System: www.takeets.com E-mail: dats@edmonton.ca Editor Jason Magee Contributors this Issue Shirley Masterson, Glenda Roberts, Caroline Wenzel, DATS Advisory Group. Contact DATS DATS Client Service Centre 780-496-4567 4To 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 780-944-5555 Lost & Found 780-496-1622 E-mail / 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. E-mail Newsletters Would you like to receive a copy of the DATS Newsletter by e-mail? Just send an e-mail to: dats@edmonton.ca - please put DATS Newsletter in the subject line. Or call us at 780-496-4567. Return undeliverable Canadian address to: City of Edmonton - City Operations 15th Floor, Edmonton Tower 10111 104 Avenue NW Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0J4