By Cecilia Nasmith
Following safety concerns that have surfaced recently, the Town of Cobourg has issued a press release to raise awareness surrounding expectations for the Cobourg WHEELS service and to inform citizens of upcoming improvements to booking appointments.
This matter has sparked concern among Cobourg's councillors recently, following an event Councillor Aaron Burchat witnessed at last month's Christmas Magic launch on a wintry evening.
The press release states that the Public Works Division would like to ensure the safety of every Cobourg WHEELS traveller, including those who require an attendant.
“Our drivers provide light assistance, such as holding a door or package, and will also secure a mobility device as needed,” Director of Public Works Laurie Wills said in the bulletin.
“We are currently reviewing the town's policy and WHEELS application form to ensure that these driver expectations are more clearly defined.”
More information should be forthcoming on policy changes at the Jan. 27 committee-of-the-whole meeting of council. Meanwhile, WHEELS users who may require additional assistance are encouraged to contact Community Care Northumberland at 1-866-768-7778 to enquire about transportation options that may be available through their agency or other available resources.
Community Care Transportation Lead Anne Newman stated in the press release that they are more than happy to provide services that can help people with their accommodation requirements.
“As system navigators, we are able to support citizens through accessing supports that better ensure their transportation needs,” Newman said.
The Public Works Division also advises that, beginning Jan. 1, regular service hours for the WHEELS program will be operated by Century Transit. Rides may be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance by contacting Century at 905-373-0582. For extended hours, WHEELS will be operated by BTS, either by booking in advance or on demand by calling 1-877-284-7433.
Beginning Jan. 1 as well, essential appointments that are required more than two or three times weekly can be booked on a subscription basis. Medical appointments can be booked any time in advance, and non-medical appointments can be booked up to one month in advance, beginning Jan. 1.
Due to the high demand for the WHEELS service, users are urged to exercise courtesy and cancel a minimum of 24 hours in advance so the ride time can be made available for others.
Current WHEELS hours are 6:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Saturdays and 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Sundays. In 2020, hours of service will be extended to 11 p.m. on a trial basis until July 1.
The town also reminds all transit users (both Public Transit and WHEELS) that holiday hours apply through the holidays, including an early stopping time on both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve of 3:30 p.m., ending at Northumberland Mall. No service will be available on both Christmas Day and New Year's Day. On Dec. 23, 26 and 30, regular times apply.
For more information on the WHEELS program, contact the Public Works Division at 905-372-4455.
