Councillor Mark King says a request for proposal has been issued in the City of North Bay’s search for a new operator of its Para Bus service.
King, also chair of the community services committee that the Para Bus falls under, adds that North Bay’s Para Bus not only will continue, it must continue. The City is bound by provincial legislation to offer equal services for transit users with disabilities.
Without offering too many details, King says there will be no interruption to Para Bus service even if a new operator is not found by July 31. It is likely a possibility that has been discussed is contracting the PHARA staff beyond the end of the month.
In April, eight Para Bus drivers and three dispatchers learned they will be out of work at the end of July after PHARA (Physically Handicapped Adults’ Rehabilitation Association) terminated the organization’s contract with the City of North Bay.
PHARA says it is terminating what it calls a “joint venture” agreement between the organization and the City of North Bay in which PHARA employees operate the accessible bus service within North Bay. The City owns, funds, and maintains the Para Buses.
PHARA says the decision was “challenging and difficult,” but the organization will instead focus on providing attendant care and housing services.
