Edmonton plans improvements to paratransit service following city audit recommendations

Edmonton's city auditor has recommended eight improvements to the city's paratransit service, DATS, to enhance its effectiveness. The audit found that while DATS met some goals, it needs better eligibility assessments, privacy controls, and training. DATS, which serves people with disabilities, had a budget of $32 million for 2024. The audit highlighted issues like invoicing errors and a lack of penalties for underperforming contractors. It also noted that eligibility procedures had not been updated since 2018. Edmonton Transit Service has accepted all recommendations and plans to implement them by the end of the year. However, concerns about potential privatization of services were raised by union representatives and the mayor, who cautioned against it.