Mark Castro, Director, TransHelp, provided an update on TransHelp including recent service changes in response to COVID-19 and specialized transportation service for non-emergency transportation of residents in Peel’s homeless shelters suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19. He noted that TransHelp usage is expected to be 50 per cent lower in 2020 compared to 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mark Castro also provided an overview of TransHelp’s 2020 priorities including: on-line booking; on-board cameras; enhancements to the same day booking process; improved communication with passengers; updates to the cross-boundary policy; and, continued focus on the quality of service delivery.
In response to a question from member Mary Daniel, Mark Castro undertook to review TransHelp drop-off locations at hospitals and report back to a future Committee meeting with an update.
In response to a question from member Naz Husain regarding the transportation of COVID positive clients, Mark Castro noted that in an effort to provide assistance to Peel Paramedics, who were inundated with calls, TransHelp assisted with the transportation of clients to assessment centres, testing centres and isolation centres. He noted that proper sanitary guidelines were followed for the disinfection of vehicles and that individuals who were not able to wear face masks had the option of wearing face shields.
Committee Chair Raj Chopra requested that staff report back to a future meeting with an update of the revised TransHelp on-line booking system and cross-boundary policy.