Anyone applying to use the city's Handy Bus system can now expect a 15-day turn-around time on his or her application after council approved a new Handy Bus policy on Feb. 24.

The time-line is one of a number of changes to the policy for the door-to-door transit system used by those who are unable to use the regular transit system.

Council was unanimous Feb. 24 in its decision on the amended policy, with council members praising administration for the work on the Handy Bus system.

Coun. John Streicker recalled that when he represented council on the city's Persons with Disabilities Advisory Committee, Linda Rapp, the city's director of community and recreation services, was quick to immediately deal with issues that came up for a couple of people who use the Handy Bus.

Officials then acknowledged the need to improve the overall policy and the changes to the policy show that work's been done.

"I think it's a good policy,” Streicker said, with Coun. Kirk Cameron then echoing those sentiments and praising administration for its work.

"(The policy will) get my full support,” he said before council passed the changes unanimously.

Along with the 15 day turn-around time to process applications, the policy allows the city's transit manager to request an in-person meeting with applicants if additional information is needed.

As well:

• information is also set to be presented in a more user-friendly manner;

• new eligibility criteria have been outlined with a focus on physical, sensory and cognitive accessibility to the conventional system which now has low-floor buses for those with mobility issues;

• the reservation process has been made more clear detailing the types of trips, service priority, changes to reservations and equitable access;

• applicants are given space on application forms to describe challenges they face in using the conventional bus system;

• medical assessment forms to be completed only by a registered medical professional also place more emphasis on the challenges faced for the applicant in using the regular transit system;

• a definition for disability has also been added; and

• there is a variety of access passes for the Handy Bus, including full, conditional, temporary and visitor.

While most Handy Bus will have to get an annual renewal to use the system, Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu confirmed with Rapp that won't be the case for those who have a permanent disability.