City of Saint John advances transportation accessibility on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

The City of Saint John proudly marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by reaffirming its commitment to accessible transportation for all. Guided by the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee, and the vision of MoveSJ, the City’s Transportation Plan, our goal is to improve safety and accessibility for every mode of travel and for the abilities of all users.

To achieve this, the City has embedded accessibility into every stage of planning and construction:

• All new sidewalks include access ramps and saw-cut joints.
• Catch basins removed from crosswalks where possible to prevent hazards for mobility aids.
• Tactile warning indicators are installed at priority locations to assist visually impaired pedestrians.
• Crosswalk signals allow more time for pedestrians with varying mobility speeds.
• Accessible Pedestrian Systems (APS) are added whenever signalized intersections are reconstructed.
• The City’s Strategic Plan targets APS at 60% of signalized intersections by 2032, and two-thirds of this goal has already been achieved.
• All new Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalks include APS.
• Traffic calming projects prioritize areas serving persons with disabilities.
• On-street accessible parking spaces meet best-practice standards, with improved designs coming in 2026.
• The Saint John Ability Advisory Committee Transit Subcommittee assisted Transit staff to develop seating specifications for transit vehicles.

These policies have led to real progress:

• 46 APS units are installed citywide.
• 42% of signalized intersections now include APS.
• 60% of mid-block “half signal” crosswalks include APS.
• Recent upgrades include APS at Charlotte Street and King Square North.
• New APS installations at intersections such as Garden Street at City Road, Westmorland at McAllister, and Rothesay Avenue at Retail Drive.
• APS with RRFB crosswalks added at locations including Charlotte Street at King Street, Broad Street at Sydney Street, and Main Street at Douglas Street.
• Five new accessible parking spaces will be added Uptown in 2026.
• With assistance from the SJAAC Transit Subcommittee, a new name and brand for was introduced for Saint John Accessible Transit/Transit Accessible Saint John (SJAT)
• Implementation is underway to enable technology for voice and visual automated announcement systems and real time tracking in Saint John Transit vehicles (CAD/AVL).

The City of Saint John remains committed to building an inclusive community where everyone can move safely and confidently. These improvements reflect our dedication to equity and accessibility for all residents and visitors.