In last week’s column, I gave detailed instructions on using the new My Para Transpo website. This week, I wanted to give a little insight and talk about my experiences with the My Para Transpo website.
On February 21, 2020, online booking became a reality. In the beginning, the website seemed very basic. To book a trip, you’d log in and fill out a web form with your trip details. Once you finished and clicked ok, you’d get an automated email telling you your booking information had been received. However, you’d receive another automated email once your booking was confirmed.
While, in theory, this was better than waking up at 7 am to (hopefully) book a trip, it was still miles away from an ideal booking system.
For example, at times, I never received an email. I wasn’t sure if my bookings were successful, which resulted in having to call Para Transpo. Other times, I’d receive an email, but then I’d find out that my booking hadn’t been received, or it was mysteriously cancelled.
So, instead of spending hours on the phone, several users were spending hours waiting for an email.
Something needed to be done in order to improve the system.
As time went on, members of the PWD community continued to voice their displeasure, and OC Transpo finally listened.
Improvements to the online booking system were coming, and a group of Para Transpo users would be selected in order to test it out.
I was excited to receive an invitation but skeptical. I had a hard time believing OC Transpo was ready to listen to our suggestions, but they did.
At least more than I was expecting.
Throughout the testing period, all of our meetings were done through Zoom. Bit by bit, our vision was slowly coming together. As with most things related to technology, there were hiccups along the way, which will probably always be an issue in general.
For me, the biggest challenge was keeping it hush-hush. We weren’t allowed to publicly mention that testing of a new online booking site was underway and that I was part of a testing group. I can’t speak for the others, but I definitely kept my mouth shut and my hands from typing.
Well, y’know what I mean.
Also, during the testing, we made it very clear that we wanted to be able to see when our ride would show up. This was important to us for several reasons.
One, to make sure that our ride was coming. Two, we wouldn’t need to sit by the door, often for at least thirty minutes, waiting for our ride to pick us up.
I was both surprised and happy when I found out that GPS tracking would be a thing. So far, the ETA has been pretty accurate for me, which continues to save me time and hassle.
While My Para Transpo is a step in the right direction, our journey is still far from over.
Users of Para Transpo are still wanting to be able to make same-day bookings. After all, riders of OC Transpo can just board a bus or (when it works) take LRT almost any time they wish.
No bookings are required.
PWD have social lives as well. I’ve had friends invite me out on several occasions, but I had to say no because it was too late for me to book a ride with Para Transpo. Also, so many things can change in 24 hours.
So, why are users of Para Transpo any different?
We’re not. It’s how we’re viewed and treated that is different. If the City of Ottawa treated us and viewed PWD as equals, we’d have public transportation that included everyone.
I admit I’m tired and frustrated with repeating myself. I’m happy to see progress, though. It’s small, but it’s still progress. Too often, people spend time and energy focusing on the negative instead of the positive.
And yes, I am very guilty of doing that.
At the same time, though, it’s important to stand up for what you believe in, even if you can’t stand up.
I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the testing group for My Para Transpo. I look forward to seeing future improvements and hopefully being involved.
If you have used My Para Transpo, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to know your thoughts on it.
PHOTO: OLM STAFF