Mobility scooter user calls out Guelph Transit after claiming to be stuck at a stop

An accessibility advocate is demanding the city do better after he said he was left in a potentially dangerous situation. CTV’s Jeff Pickel reports.

A Guelph resident who uses a mobility scooter is calling out the city after he says he was left stranded in the snow, by Guelph Transit.

Mike “O’dah ziibing” Ashkewe relies on the mobility scooter to get around.

He said the Guelph Transit Driver was rude while he was getting off the bus, and left him stranded at a snow covered bus stop.

He claimed the driver chastised him over not using the mobility button when requesting a stop. The button alerts the driver that the passenger will require the accessibility lift to get off the bus.

“He was upset because he was inconvenienced by about 5 seconds,” said Ashkewe.

Before getting off the bus, Ashkewe said the driver informed him he could have let him off the bus at a different location.

“He says, by the way, I could have let you off somewhere else … when a previous week, another bus driver said, I can’t let you off anywhere but an assigned stop.”

Once off the bus, Ashkewe said he immediately got stuck.

“I said, hey, could you help me out here? He’s like, ‘no, I’ll call somebody though,” he said.

While waiting for help Ashkewe, called his wife, friends and City Councillor Erin Caton for help.

He said his wife also called the City of Guelph operation emergency line for help, but could not reach anyone.

In the frigid winter temperature, Ashkewe said it was painful waiting.

“So I was outside for about 45 minutes, almost getting frostbite, so that was not fun.”

CTV News reached out to the City of Guelph for an interview but were denied.

In a statement, the Acting General Manager of Transit Glenn Marcus said:

“We were made aware of this incident and are currently conducting a thorough internal investigation into the rider’s experience. At this time, we’re unable to provide further details pending the outcome of our review. The City of Guelph is committed to providing accessible and reliable services that meets our community’s needs. We will continue to look for opportunities to improve if, and when, we miss the mark on achieving that vision.”

CTV News also requested additional information on Guelph Transit’s snow clearing policy and accessibility guidelines, but did not receive a response.

According to Ashkewe, the situation should have been handled differently.

“When you pull up to the stop, it’s very clear that the stop was not safe or appropriate to use, they could have easily said, sir, we’re going to have to call a supervisor … that driver chose not to do that,” said Ashkewe.

Accessibility advocates say what Ashkewe experienced is not rare.

“It happens quite often for people with disabilities, whether it’s getting stuck in the snow, or devices breaking down in the snow,” said Anthony Frisina, a Hamilton based accessibility advocate.

According to Frisina, municipalities do not take this situation seriously enough.

“Not even close. There needs to be more direction and people with disabilities need to be at the table. We need to be there with intention and not obligation,” said Frisina, adding that consultation is not enough. “They can say they consulted with us then pivot and do something else, but are they actually listening to us?”

Frisina said it makes sense for municipalities to act now, rather than pay later.

“I’d rather invest in solutions then pay for lawsuits.”

Ashkewe is hopeful his situation will lead to change at the City of Guelph.

“It’s not just about people who have a disability, it’s a person who may have an injury, it’s a person who just needs things easier, accessibility is good for everybody, there’s no reason to not do it, and to have drivers with a little bit more sense sensitivity would be great,” he said.

Ashkewe is a member of the Guelph Accessibility Advisory Committee, but is not speaking on behalf of the committee.