Para Transpo to run late-night pilot project on weekends

Para Transpo is extending its hours until 2 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays starting Sept. 4 for one year.

The service for riders who can't take other types of public transit because of a disability usually runs daily from 6 a.m. until around midnight.

Transit general manager Rick Leary said in a Thursday memo that the pilot project was both part of the action plan he put into place after he was hired this spring, and part of the wide-ranging service changes happening in late summer and autumn.

The pilot will allow Para Transpo riders to attend more nighttime events, Leary said.

"I heard from a number of people that this was something that would benefit them, that they would like an equal opportunity to be able to go out at night," said Alta Vista Coun. Marty Carr, who's a member of the city's transit committee and councillor liaison for its accessibility advisory committee.

Kyle Humphrey has been using Para Transpo for about 20 years and has long been advocating for extended hours.

A fan of live music and other after-hours events, Humphrey said he's seen other people who rely on transit give up on the scene entirely because of the current service level.

"For years and years and years, it was if you were part of a certain demographic, you wouldn't be allowed to stay out after a certain time," he said.

"It's a game changer," Humphrey said of the Para Transpo pilot. "It's something that I have dreamed about for years for people."

LISTEN | Advocacy for this kind of change earlier this year:

Late-night trips can only be booked by calling 613-560-5000 the previous day. Leary said they're working to add online booking.

Rural trips will end earlier at 1:30 a.m.