OTTAWA — May 10, 2011 — The Canadian Transportation Agency today released a report finding that Marine Atlantic continues to demonstrate leadership in improving passenger ferry and terminal accessibility.
The Monitoring and Compliance Summary Report highlights Marine Atlantic's efforts to comply with the Agency's three voluntary codes of practice that apply to federally-regulated marine transportation accessibility:
As recent compliance assessments have demonstrated, voluntary codes of practice are effective in removing undue obstacles to the mobility of persons with disabilities from the federal transportation system. Voluntary codes are developed in consultation with the Agency's Accessibility Advisory Committee, featuring representation from transportation service providers and disability associations, as well as other stakeholders.
As indicated in the Report:
- Maintenance and retrofitting of Marine Atlantic's vessel "Atlantic Vision" incorporated recommendations provided by the Agency on enhancing its accessibility;
- Information on accessible features and services are available on Marine Atlantic's Web site and in multiple formats; and
- The North Sydney and Port aux Basques terminals provide good accessibility features and services, including communications, to passengers with disabilities.
A few areas for improvement are highlighted in the Report. Agency staff will continue to work with Marine Atlantic to address these areas for improvement as part of future voluntary code compliance monitoring efforts.
The Agency continues to actively monitor compliance by all transportation service providers with its standards. Updated reports will continue to be provided on its Web site as additional monitoring and compliance initiatives are undertaken.
About the Canadian Transportation Agency
The Canadian Transportation Agency is responsible for ensuring that undue obstacles to the mobility of persons with disabilities are removed from federally-regulated transportation services and facilities, which includes air, rail, marine and interprovincial bus transportation. It seeks to remove such obstacles by developing regulations, codes of practice and standards; communicating with the transportation industry and the community of persons with disabilities; resolving individual accessibility-related complaints; and by ordering corrective measures as required.
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For more information:
Media Relations
Canadian Transportation Agency
819-934-3448
media@otc-cta.gc.ca
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