The paratransit service in Saint John has a new name and look after 30 years.
First launched as Handi-Bus, the service is now called Saint John Accessible Transit.
Officials gathered at transit headquarters on Wednesday to unveil the new name.
Marisa Hersey-Misner, chair of the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee, welcomed the change.
“The name change is inclusive, the service is accessible and the service is meant to serve the community as a whole,” Hersey-Misner told reporters.
“The name reflects the accessibility of the service rather than a disability in riders.”
Hersey-Misner said the committee has heard from many users over the years who felt the old name was derogatory.
It was a sentiment shared by David Black of Independence Plus, the non-profit that operates the service on behalf of Saint John Transit.
“The other name, sometimes people felt like there might have been derogatory tones to Handi-Bus,” said Black.
Officials also announced on Wednesday that a sixth bus had been added to the accessible transit fleet, with plans to add a seventh in 2025.
Black said the city should look to plan for more new buses for the accessible transit fleet in the future, noting they offered more than 24,000 trips last year.
“The city really needs this service, and many members in the community need access. It’s something that people really desire,” he said.
“They need it for everything from dialysis treatment to going to see those games, to getting to work, to going to church. So it’s a lifeline for a lot of people in the community.”
Saint John’s paratransit is being renamed Saint John Accessible Transit.
City officials say the name change came at the request of community members.
The service was previously named Handi-Bus. pic.twitter.com/AsXXY6a3SU
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) October 23, 2024
