THEN
In the late 1960s, transportation for adults using wheelchairs was limited to a single bus provided by the United Way and operated by various organizations for one-year terms. An increased number of requests from organizations seeking donations for vehicles equipped for wheelchair transport convinced the United Fund (precursor to the United Way) to establish a “Wheelchair Transportation Committee”.
It soon became apparent that a myriad of transportation systems could not provide efficient and economical transportation for all individuals requiring the service. One system, able to handle all the transportation needs for the agencies and organizations concerned, was the obvious answer.
In August 1971, HandiBus was formed as a non-profit organization operated by a volunteer Board of Directors. The first Chairman was Bill Green. A staff of 12 full-time drivers started providing service to Calgarians on January 1, 1972. By the end of 1972, a central office was established, and a dispatcher-manager was hired to oversee the day-to-day operations.
The original fleet consisted of six buses, each generously donated to the new service. Two came from the Wheelchair Transportation Committee and four from The Cerebral Palsy Association. In those early days, the majority of service (four buses) was dedicated to transporting school children to their various day programs. The other two buses were used to transport 75 regular adult customers who, combined, made an average of 500 trips per month. Demand for service grew and by the end of 1972 the fleet had increased to 12 vehicles; by the end of three years, ridership had increased to 260 regular customers.
Chair of the Board
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| 1971 – 1976 | W.H. (Bill) Green |
| 1977 – 1982 | Charles Ballard |
| 1983 – 1984 | Cliff Pettit |
| 1985 – 1987 | Bryan Gilks |
| 1988 | Don Brownie |
| 1989 – 1990 | Susan Holt |
| 1991 – 1997 | J.E. (Ted) Bowers |
| 1997 – 2001 | R. J. (Jim) Brown |
| 2001 – 2004 | Wayne Chodzicki |
| 2004 | John Cooper |
| 2004 – 2005 | Jim Brown |
| 2005 – 2010 | Brent Kirkby |
| 2010 - | Robert McClinton |
12 drivers.
6 buses.
Approx 2000 trips per year.
75 customers.
Cost per trip, $.50.
NOW
Today, we provide approximately 40,000 trips per month serving the 17,000 Calgarians registered with Access Calgary. A staff of over 170 union and non-union employees utilize a fleet of 115 specially equipped vehicles, providing close to 500,000 trips a year. Union employees include operators, preschool attendants, mechanics, caretaker, and service staff. Non-union staff represents 13 of the 170 plus positions.
We have firmly established our reputation for providing specialized transportation service for almost 40 years. Building on historic accomplishments we face the challenges of an ever-growing city comprised of diverse citizens with unique needs. As the leading service provider in specialized transportation, we are working closely with Calgary Transit and The City of Calgary to meet the shifting dynamics of our customers. We at Calgary HandiBus believe all Calgarians have the right to enjoy the wonderful lifestyle opportunities living in Calgary provide.
The City of Calgary has been our major funding partner from the beginning. From 1971 through 1978 the City was one of a number of organizations that contributed annually toward operating costs. This arrangement changed in 1979 allowing for more financial security for HandiBus. The City of Calgary, Calgary Transit now funds approximately 95 % of the Association’s total yearly operating budget. HandiBus continues to be responsible for raising money from donations for bus purchases. Each year we must raise over $1M in order to keep our fleet at the peak of safety and efficiency.
Increasing demand for service and steady growth have been constants over the nearly 40-year history of HandiBus. Today, working closely with Calgary Transit and Access Calgary we are meeting this ever-growing demand.
(full bus sponsorship $90,000).
Over 170 staff.
115 vehicles.
Nearly 500,000 trips per year
17,000 Access Calgary customers.
Close to 7 million km travelled per year
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