says aan A SURVEY survey of local bus passengers con- ducted last week should provide a snapshot that will help determine if the Terrace Regional Transit System will expand next year, “Respondents were asked how often they take the bus, and whether or not their destination and their ‘bus stops matched, said Jerry Peltier, manager of Coastal Bus Lines, the company operating the transit system. Bus riders were also asked about driver courte- sy and bus fares. “We're just seeing where the passengers are getting on the busses, where. they’re taking the buses to, and where their final destinations are — it might not be where the buses are dropping them off,” Peltier said. - The surveys, conducted over a 24-hour period Nov. 29 and 30, will be sent to _ BC, Transit. A passenger count will be conducted in January. Both will be used to evaluate the system to see if it is meeting the needs of passengers. “We're trying ta re- vamp the transit system,” Peltier said. “These sur- veys are part of that.” He cautioned it’s a long-term process. De- pending on what the eva- luation finds out, it still takes a long time to deter- mine if extra routes are viable and to put together new schedules. “If we get anything out of this at all, it will be next September,” he said. A ridership survey con- ducted in the spring shows the number of passengers using the bus is holding steady. “We're not gaining, but we haven’t lost any, either.” The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, December 6, 2000 - A3 ony nee BUS PASSENGER Clayton Bolton fills out a survey period last week were asked to fill out the survey, as he rides home. All passengers during a 24-hour part of a bus system evaluation being conducted. Easier access buses coming to the area by next June SHINY NEW busses that can kneel for passengers so Dart sysiem, which is over utilized,” Norman said. “This they don’t have to climb aboard will be rolling onto Ter- is going to make quite a difference to the handicapped.” Tace streets next year. Since the existing buses aren't wheelchair accessible, Two British-made, wheelchair accessible Dennis- disabled passengers and other Terrace and Thornhill re- Darts have been ordered and could arrive for passenger sidents with mobility problems instead use the Handy service here as carly as June. The Terrace Regional Dart to shop and keep appointments. Transit Authority is replacing its entire passenger fleet, “It’s hard to get it booked when you want it,” Norman comprised of two 20-year-old buses. said, pointing out that another transit commissioner who “They’ll be brand spanking new. We won’t be getting depends on the Handy Dart often books one month ahead anyone’s hand-me-downs,” says transit advisory com- of time. mission chair Keith Norman, referring to the fact that as The 1988 Ford Arrow Handy Dart is slated for repla- far as he knows, Terrace’s transit system has never had cement by a 1996 Polar II in March. Although not brand new buses before. “We’re hoping to have a new one in new, it will reduce maintenance costs and offer better time for the Riverboat Days parade, so we can show it safety features for passengers, Norman said. off,” Norman said. The three replacement vehicles will cost another Replacing the aging passenger busses was a big prior- $26,000 a year, including the price of the leases, bring- ity for the advisory commission — and B.C. Transit -be- ing the annual transit costs to local government to cause the 1981 Orion buses aren’t wheelchair accessible. $67,800, The Terrace Regional Transit System is opera- In fact, Terrace bumped another community off the ted by Coastal Bus Lines. waiting list because B.C. Transit, which is in the midst The city of Terrace and the regional district have a of updating fleets across the province, deemed us a cost-sharing arrangement with B.C. Transit. Terrace will higher priority. be paying $19,500; the Kitimat-Stikine Regional Dis- The Dennis-Darts have space for two wheelchairs on trict, $16,500. board. “That will ease some of the stress on the Handy eos Italy. Were flying there next week,” rejoicing!" (‘ll be miserable in Italy." for him.” diapers. Where Are The Kids? <3 “Mama, its a disaster! Mario got o job as av orchitect in Mrs. Giovanni looked puzzled. "But my darling Jo, isn't that good news? You just morried the man of your dreams CASES ae and now he has this great opporlunity. You should be ao Josephine storied sobbing. “You don’t understand, Mama, “She's going fo leave me and take the children.” I've never been away from home. You know how shy | am. Mrs. Giovonni was firm. “Josephine, youre o married her.” womon. Your life is with your husband. Go and make a home Anxiqusly, Josephine left for ttaly. Two babies came quickly, eleven months apart, Josephine ster! He hit me! Pleose send me money so | can came was alwoys at home. Washing, ceoning, cooking, changing heme.” BASED ON ACTUAL COURT Mario wos shaking. He could think of one thing only. Desperate, Mario ran to the bank. “I'll toke most of the money out of our joint account, That's the only way ta stop Josephine tried to withdraw money. “How dare hel There isn'l enough money to go back home.” She called her mother ina penic, “Mama! He’s a mon- Josephine went to Conada with the children. Mario come home to an empty hause, He Fell to the Your Christmas donation guide THERE ARE many ways you can help make someone’s Christmas a little brighter. Salvation Army kettle drive THE SALVATION Army kettle drive to raise money for its Christmas hamper program has begun. Army volunteers will be ringing bells and manning kettles at various locations until Dec. 23. Between 500 and 600 food hampers will be de- livered to local families. The Army and its com- munity partners help ensure that the hampers con- tain toys and gifis for children in families receiving them. Donations of food and toys can be made until Dec. 15 at the Thrift Store and elsewhere. Volunteers are needed. Please call 635-1829, You can also drop off unwrapped gifts and nan- perishable food items to Terrace Totem Ford’s Gift Truck until Dec. 15: Telemedia gift drive IF YOU'D like to contribute a gift for those Salya- tion Army hampers, you can drop off brand-new, unwrapped gifts at Telemedia Radio (West) in Terrace, under the Sharing Tree. The Salvation Army is looking for gifts for small children, teens and adults. Gifts for teenagers are especially in demand. Possible gift ideas for teens include movie tickets, videos, and gift certificates from local clothing stores. Buy Christmas gifts for kids THE TERRACE Anti Poverty Group Society and the Salvation Army have teamed up for this year’s Christmas Tree program. Trees are decorated with name tags listing a child’s first name, age, gender and clothing size. Customers take a tag and buy an age appropriate gift, dropping it off unwrapped at the customer service desk. ; Trees are located at the following participating stores: Zellers, Dairy Quecn and Canadian Tire. Gifts can also be dropped off at the Terrace Anti Poverty office at 4628 Park Avenue. Canadian Tire is also donating a portion of the proceeds fram Christmas tree sales this year to the Terrace Transition House. CDC's Tree of Lights HONOUR A LOVED ONE and help support pro- grams assisting special needs kids by sponsoring a light on the Terrace Child Development Centre's Tree of Lights in the Skeena Mall. Donations support the centre’s programs for spe- cial needs children, including therapy, education and support. It also sponsors prenatal programs to expectant mothers. Both individuals and businesses are asked to ‘purchase a light for the tree until Dec. 13. Lights cost anywhere from $2-3250 for individuals and $25-$250 for businesses. Tax receipts are available. A Fantastic Selection Of Genuine LA-Z-BOY Styles Now At The Best Savings Of “Plaose, Mario. Lets go back fo Canada." l Q Mario laoked up from his canneloni. “You know that's floor in anguish. “How could she do this fo me? impossible, | could never get such a good job in Canada,” He ran to the cirport and look the next flight to Canado. But I'm home alone with the children oll day long, This is Mario won! fo court to get his children back. ag life, | need my family and friends.” In court, Motio wos emotional, “Your Honour, Jesephine Mario took her hand. “Josephine, | want you fo be hoppy had no right to leave with my precious children. Please let but please make an effort. Go out and moke some new =e toke them back to Italy.” friends.” Josephine pleaded. “Bui, Your Honour, | had to leeve. The years passed, Josephine hecame more and more Maria hil mel | took the thildren to protect them from despondent, Maria didn'l understand. She kept begging to go Potential violence. I'm the main caregiver. They need me, bock ta Conada, Her demands became hystarical. and | need them. One night, Mario exploded. “STOP I7, ALREADY!” In a sud- | The Season! A. “MeGwire” -Put total comfort on your Christmas List with : Luxurious Leather. B. “Alton” den burst of anger, he punched Josephine in the Face. Wha gets the children? YOU! Be The fudge. Then, loak She ran from the roam crying, below for the decision. When your ready to make SPONSORED BY your getaway, this casual style makes the perfect destination. WRIGHT & MARDIROS TRIAL LAWYERS Serving the Pacific Northwest TERENCE WRIGHT 15 years experience DAVID MARDIROS Criminal and Family Law Civil Litigation Aboriginal Law Free Initial Interview for I.C.B.C, and Personal Injury Claims 4730 Lazelle Avenue, Terrace, B.C. V8G 1T2 Fax: 635-2919 Phone: 638-0354 C. “Trenton” Adds comfort and elegance to your holiday's and all year round in your home. TOTEM FURNITURE & APPLIANCES 4501 Lakelse Ave., Terrace, B.C. 638-1158 or 1-800-813-1158 E. “Ashley” aga Reclina-Rest Reclifrer Casual style and soft cushions moke a favourite relaxing spot. D. “Hemingway” Make the most of your time off relaxing in this traditional styling with hidden footrest. YOU! BE THE JUDGE - DECISION:,"Tha children go back to Italy,” Judge Lisa held, “International {ow says thal children who ore wronglully taken to cnother country mus! be returned homme unless the situation wauld be intolerable thero, Josephine can’t simply toke off with the children, I'm nol convinced thot the children are at risk just becouse Mario hil Josephine once in 8 years. Therefore, | must leave it to the Italian courts to decide custody.” Today's column Is based on a case front Ontario, If you have a similar problem, please contnct (sponsor) or another lawyar in your province. To provide compelling enterlainment, we have fictionalized the names, the characters and # scenarios in the case. Any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental, In the interes! af clarity and brevity, the legal issues in tha case have been greatly reduced and simplified. Claire Bernstein is a lawyer and nationally syndicated columnist. Copyright 2000 Haika Entarprisas. 73-11