The Passenger Transportation Board (Board) is committed to promoting accessibility for persons with disabilities, and the principles of inclusion, equity, and diversity. 

The Board has policies that promote accessibility in the passenger transportation industry, and has an accessibility plan to support accessibility within the Board’s internal organization. 

There are also accessibility obligations and requirements established by the B.C. government that the passenger transportation industry must uphold and adhere to. 

The Board supports inclusion, equity, and diversity by adhering to standards and guidelines set by the B.C. Public Service Agency, and by reviewing our programs and policies in accordance with these principles on a regular basis.

Accessibility in the passenger transportation industry

Persons with disabilities can experience systemic, attitudinal, physical, and virtual barriers that prevent their full and equal participation in society. 

The Board is committed to supporting accessibility for persons with disabilities across the passenger transportation industry. The Board has focused mostly on wheelchair accessibility in the passenger transportation industry and its goal remains to have wheelchair accessible vehicles integrated into fleets across B.C. The Board has established accessible policies, such as the Accessible Taxis policy(489 KB).

The Board also recognizes barriers to accessible passenger transportation can include auditory, vision, cognitive and other sensory challenges and discrimination (whether intended or unintended) based on race, gender, sexuality and other characteristics. 

With these accessibility barriers in mind, there are aspects of passenger transportation (such as training and assistive technology like talking meters) which can be improved to promote greater accessibility and inclusion for all riders.

To learn more about the Board’s commitment to promoting accessibility in the passenger transportation industry, or to provide recommendations for improving accessibility, please contact us.

Additional accessibility requirements

In addition to complying with Board requirements, passenger transportation licensees are responsible for complying with requirements and obligations in provincial legislation concerning provision of accessible services to the public.

For instance, the B.C. Human Rights Code does not allow businesses to discriminate in providing accommodation, service, and facility. All licensees are required to comply with these and other requirements in the Code. 

Licensees are also required to comply with requirements in the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act. For instance, this legislation stipulates that persons with certified guide dogs and service dogs are permitted to enter and use any conveyance to which the public has access, including passenger transportation.

Accessibility at the Board

In accordance with the requirements of the Accessible British Columbia Act, the Board is also committed to eliminating accessibility-related barriers within our organization. 

To guide these efforts, the Board has prepared an accessibility plan(232 KB) for the organization that outlines accessibility measures related to internal operations and interactions with those who engage with the Board. 

The Board welcomes feedback and comments from all interested parties regarding our accessibility plan. To provide feedback or suggestions, please contact us through the Board contact form. 

To learn more about the B.C. government’s work in promoting accessibility across the province and in various sectors, please visit the Accessibility Directorate.

Promoting accessibility, inclusion, equity, and diversity

The Board addresses accessibility, inclusion, equity, and diversity in its operations by meeting the standards determined by the B.C. government in its strategy for the B.C. Public Service. It ensures we are reflective of our province and inclusive of Indigenous peoples, minority communities, immigrants, persons with disabilities, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Section 8(1) of Code prohibits discrimination because of “Indigenous identity, race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or age of that person or class of persons.” The Board is committed to upholding these and related provisions to promote accessibility, inclusion, equity, and diversity in its operations. 

Inclusion involves creating work environments in which employees are involved, respected, valued, and connected. In keeping with the strategy of the B.C. government, the Board leverages the diversity of experiences, skills, and talents of all members and staff. It strives to create a respectful workplace in which individuals are encouraged to contribute their ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives.