[Blindtlk] Paratransit Vs. fixed Routes

[David Evans]

Dear Sir,

The use of Para-transit is based on a person's need, not efficiency or 
ability to pay.
You only have Para-transit services where you have a fixed route bus system. 
You are only allowed to use the Para-transit if you can not use the fixed 
route bus for your trips.
You can be a person who is judged to be "Conditional" under the ADA and can 
take some of your trips on fixed route, but under certain other conditions, 
you can use the Para-transit service.  I am such a person as there are times 
when my medical condition makes it hard to impossible to use the Fixed route 
bus and I am allowed to use the Para-transit instead.
  I use the fixed route when ever I can because I don't have to plan and 
call for my trips at least one day in advance.  I can change my plans at the 
last minute if I use the fixed route bus, I can not if I use the 
Para-transit.
It cost me less on the fixed route bus and twice as much on the 
Para-transit.
Being Conditional, I can go from the Para-transit to the fixed route in the 
same day, but I can not go from the fixed route to the Para-transit in the 
same day.  I am restricted, mostly because I must ask for a Para-transit 
ride the day before, but I don't need to do this for fixed route.


David Evans, NFBF and GD Jack.
MV Transit Consumer Advocate
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Roberthansen1970 at gmail.com" <roberthansen1970 at gmail.com>
To: <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 11:26 AM
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Paratransit Vs. fixed Routes


>I think in smaller cities they should let everybody use it. Paratransit can 
>be more efficient in smaller places.
> -----Original Message-----
> Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 9:08:28 am
> To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> From: "David Evans" <drevans at bellsouth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Paratransit Vs. fixed Routes
>
>
> Dear Dianne,
>
> There is very little choice in the use of Para-transit.
> This is because you must go through an eligibility process, fill out and
> application and maybe even face a functional assessment to be allowed to 
> use
> Para-transit service.  Being Blind is not a reason just by itself.  You 
> must
> have other disabilities, in addition to Blindness, in order to use
> Para-transit.
> Some of these "conditions" could be, but not limited to, the inability to
> navigate the system, fixed route that is
> Other medical or physical conditions that limit one's ability to walk or
> stand for at least 30 minutes, heart conditions, high or low blood 
> pressure
> issues, dizziness, fainting spells, disorientation, vertigo, seizures, sun
> light sensitivity and the list goes on and on.
> Just being Blind will not get you on the van instead of the fixed route 
> bus.
> No one needs to qualify to ride the fixed route bus.
> The fare for riding on Para-transit is usually double what the fixed route
> fare is, even thou the ride times can be the same.
> You have less flexibility with the Para-transit as you are locked into a
> pick up window and can not change on the same day.  Fixed route lets you 
> be
> able to change your mind or plans so you can leave earlier or stay later 
> or
> add other trips on the spur of the moment.  You can not do this with
> Para-transit.
> With Para-transit, you need to be prepared in case your ride does not show
> up on time or something happens to the vehicle before it gets there to 
> pick
> you up.  If they take you somewhere, they do have the obligation to come
> back and take you home again.
> I tell all my Para-transit consumers, to carry a cell phone with the
> Para-transit phone number programmed into the phone and call if you are at
> the end of your 30 minute window and ask where your vehicle is.  Always 
> plan
> your trip in case you need to wait somewhere for the late vehicle.  Don't
> wait outside if you can help it and always be aware of the weather and the
> area you may have to wait in.  Pick some place that is safe, lighted and
> near other people if you can.
> The inability to cross major busy streets and highways may or may not be a
> good enough reason to get you onto Para-transit.  I know that this a 
> common
> fear that many Blind people have, but fear of crossing busy streets is not 
> ,
> by itself a qualifier to get on the van.  This is an issue that can be
> addressed with travel training and by asking that there be traffic control
> lights at the intersections you must use to cross at.
> If there are no lights or sidewalks, then you have a reason to use the
> Para-transit over the fixed route bus.
> It is illegal to walk along a state or federal highway or right of way or
> upon any freeway.  This can get you Para-transit service too.
> No one should have to risk their life in an unreasonable manner to get 
> where
> they need to go
>
> Weather can be a great factor on some people's ability to travel safely.
> Too hot, too wet or too cold effects everyone, but some people more than
> most.
> Someone who
>
>
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