Transportation is one of the top three health system challenges for residents in the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant (HNHB) Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). Community transportation services provide access to health services and enable people to participate in community life, thereby enhancing their health, well-being and independence. Transportation services are important supports for seniors, persons with short or long-term activity limitations and other disabilities, and for families with young children.
Among LHIN-funded transportation programs, there is considerable variation in their distribution, eligibility criteria, user fees, and daily/hourly availability. Persons with mobility issues, behavioral challenges and children and youth under the age of 16 are not eligible for many services. There is a lack of affordable regional transit which is a barrier to getting to specialized health services either within or outside a region. Rural communities tend to have less well-developed accessible transportation systems and residents often rely on the “underground transportation system” comprising family members, friends, and neighbours
This resource reviews background work, the current state of assets, needs and opportunities, models for coordinated access to transportation and recommendations for the future.
Published By: HNHB LHIN
Publication Date: March 2011
