Having ridden HandyDART for seven years now, I feel it time to give the drivers a heart-felt pat on their collective backs.
All bus drivers face hazards these days, but the DART drivers are in and out of their buses in all weather, handling wheelchairs, walkers, etc. and the occasional unpunctual or crusty passengers. Yes, some of the “wrinklies” among us become frustrated in our older years.
Due to the very nature of the service they provide, complications of scheduling arise because of the unexpected and unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.
The kindness, patience and good humour of these underpaid but hard-working drivers is really much appreciated. Many have to move on or up to city buses to meet the financial obligations of life.
Unfortunately, due to the segment of the community HandyDART serves, we are not a very articulate bunch. Young and old, we obviously have disabilities of some sort and feel our voices wouldn’t be heard anyway.
We hope that sooner rather than later their service and conditions are recognized and salaries achieve parity with city bus drivers.
Norma Robinson