Building superwoman
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another round of liquor reforms
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warrant for local dentist
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wednesday
August 14 2013 www.burnabynewsleader.com
gearing up for a good shot. see Page A15
Phone track ends car jack
MARIO BARtEL/NEWsLEADER
ndidi, who attended high school in Burnaby, cuts loose on the main stage at the Burnaby Blues and roots festival on saturday. see story and photos on pages A4 and A5.
HandyDart changes spark frustration Mario Bartel
photo@burnabynewsleader.com
Jo-Ann Lingley’s many medical problems make it difficult for her to get around. And recent changes to TransLink’s HandyDart service have made it even more frustrating. Lingley’s knees are shot and she suffers from pulmonary heart failure and diabetes. She relies on the HandyDart buses to transport her from her Burnaby home to doctor’s appointments in Vancouver or at Burnaby Hospital.
But since TransLink cut 10,000 efficient, as recommended by a service hours in favour of subsidized provincial audit of TransLink, said taxis as of April, Lingley said even spokesperson Jiana Ling. calling a week ahead is no guarantee “This practice is used by most she’ll be able to other specialized book a ride. transit agencies “There’s a lot of across Canada,” Jo-Ann Lingley frustration,” said said Ling. there’s a lot of frustration. Lingley, 52. “Taxis currently “On a scale of one on a scale of one to 10 for form an important stress, it’s probably an 11. to 10 for stress, it’s transportation probably an 11.” option for seniors The shift in service from buses and people with disabilities.” to subsidized taxi runs is a pilot The change resulted in 28 regular project to make the service more runs for HandyDart buses being
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cancelled, and their full-time drivers being cut back to casual status, said Bob Chitrenky, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union local 1724, which represents HandyDart drivers. “It affects the quality of service,” said Chitrenky. Lingley said unless she knows to specifically request a taxi, none is offered. And despite the subsidy, the taxis cost more, eating into her limited income. please see MOst HANDyDARt, A3
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A man was arrested by Burnaby RCMP early last Friday after a van belonging to a Metro newspaper delivery person was car-jacked. About 1 a.m., the driver had pulled into a Mac’s convenience store at Lougheed Highway and Production Way. While his assistant was in the store, the suspect entered the van and started punching him, insisting he start driving. The driver escaped the van, but left his cellphone inside before calling the police from the store, said RCMP spokesman Cpl. David Reid. Upon arrival, police pinged the cellphone, which allowed them to determine its location through GPS. They soon found the van abandoned in a ditch on Highway 1 near the Sprott Street turnoff. A police dog soon found the man, who attempted to choke the dog, Reid said. The Metro delivery driver only received minor injuries, Reid said, as was the case with the suspect. Burnaby RCMP has had dealings with the suspect in the past, Reid said, adding the man was intoxicated and faces charges of robbery and assault of a police officer.