DARTS asked to find savings by end of year

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The arms-length agency offering specialized transportation to people in Hamilton with disabilities known as DARTS, has been tasked to find some big savings by the end of the year. Failure to do so could force the city to look for another agency.

Riders and drivers of DARTS buses were on hand as the city and agency worked out a plan to improve efficiency. A city report said that an ageing population and recent extended eligibility to people with visual and cognitive disabilities has resulted in an increase in ridership by 34%. Of course that means – more money.

It costs about $30 for a single bus trip and expenditures have sky-rocketed from nearly $12 million to $16 million in the last four years. Council asked DARTS to find a way to save $1million by the end of the year or they’ll find another agency. They recommended downsizing to smaller/affordable vans and use the MV1, which can carry people using mobility devices.

While both parties agree on the approach, DARTS is concerned over the task of saving $1 million in just 10.5 months.