handyDART

A More Convenient and Connected handyDART

[Adam Bishop, Manager of Accessible Transit Integrated Service Planning, speaking in front of a handyDART bus.]

For thousands of people across British Columbia, handyDART is more than a bus ride.

It’s a vital connection – to health care, community programs, family, friends, and independence.

As demand for handyDART continues to grow, BC Transit is introducing modern rider facing tools and technology systems designed to improve handyDART services for today’s riders and future generations to come.

More Choice and Improved Trip Management

With the modernization of handyDART, scheduling and managing trips is now easier and more flexible than ever. 

[A text box appears on screen. Text on screen:

“Book trips your way

• BC Transit handyDART App
• Website
• By phone

Visit bctransit.com/handyDART for links and phone numbers”.]

Riders can choose the booking option that works best for their unique needs – whether that’s through the BC Transit handyDART app, website, or by phone through a customer service representative.

[Demonstration of booking a handyDART trip with the app or website appears on screen.]

Riders who use the app or website can now schedule, change, or cancel trips at their convenience, with 24/7 trip management access when they want it, not dependent on business hours or waiting on the phone.

Riders who prefer a human connection when booking can expect to find efficiencies too, with phone booking times expected to improve as many other riders move to self-service options.

Regardless of the booking method, all riders can expect an enhanced booking process, including the ability to save rider profiles with favourite destinations and accessibility requirements.

More Information and Confidence

[Demonstration of tracking a handyDART trip with the app or website appears on screen.]

When riders know what to expect, they travel with more confidence.

[A text box appears on screen. Text on screen:

“Stay informed with: 

• Trip reminders
• Notifications
• Service updates”.]

Riders can stay informed throughout their journey with upcoming trip reminders, notifications about the vehicle picking them up, and service updates now delivered directly through the BC Transit handyDART app and website.

[A text box appears on screen. Text on screen: “Track your ride. Share your trip details with family members or caregivers”.]

Riders can confidently know when their vehicle is expected to arrive by tracking their ride in real-time on a map.

These trip details can also be shared with family members or caregivers, helping them stay informed.

Supporting New Riders

[Demonstration of submitting an online application appears on screen.]

Improvements and functionality aren’t limited to current riders.

Future handyDART riders will benefit from a streamlined online application process that makes it easier and more efficient to become a new handyDART rider.

Applicants, or their caregivers, can track their application progress and receive timely reminders throughout the process, helping ensure nothing is missed.

Supporting the Future of handyDART

While we’re excited to introduce new tools and benefits for riders, a modernized handyDART also delivers important enhancements behind the scenes.

Advanced scheduling and dispatch technology helps coordinate trips more efficiently and makes better use of available vehicles and resources – meaning more service hours get spent where they matter most – directly supporting riders.

[A clip of handyDART bus on the road appears on screen.]

Together, these improvements help support a stronger, more efficient handyDART service – one that is better equipped to meet the needs of riders today and into the future.

[A slide appears on screen. Graphic in slide: “BC Transit logo”. Text in slide: “bctransit.com/handyDART”.]