[Blindtlk] Para transit Vs. fixed Routes

Thu May 12 19:13:17 UTC 2011

Dear Jessica and All;
	I understand you frustration perfectly!  I live in downtown Des
Moines because here I'm two blocks from stops where I can busses going each
direction in the city.  Our bus service is very limited, but I can get some
places where I need to go on the fixed route bus.  Another reason I live
downtown is because we have a free shuttle that I can ride to the State
Capitol Complex when I have to do work there.  I'm five blocks from the
Courthouses, both County and Federal, so I walk there.  Believe me, if I
could drive, I'd be living further out, maybe even in the burbs, where I'd
be closer to things like grocery stores.  But I stay downtown because it's
more convenient for me to work and pay drivers for shopping, which I plan
for once a week.  
	I guess I also want to know where all of you live who can go exactly
where you want to go whenever you want without any advanced planning--the
same way people do when they drive.  
	The car used in the Blind Driver Challenge will be available
someday.  But, for now, the fact is, we don't have the convenience of
driving ourselves.  This, of course isn't the end of the world, but it's a
fact: we must consider transportation when we decide where to live, work,
shop, etc.  
	Right now I know I'm being unrealistic because my definition of
"acceptable transportation" is transportation that I totally control and I
can't neither control the busses, the cabs, or my drivers, although I have
more control over them than I do over the public transit companies.  When
I'm dead and gone, my ghost will return and drive that car that a blind
person can drive, no doubt.
	I don't mind at all reading your rants.  That's the First Amendment
at work!
Sincerely,
Mary

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Jessica Kostiw
Sent: Thursday, May 12, 2011 1:09 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Para transit Vs. fixed Routes

Hello all,
Must chime in here.  I live in Fairfax county Virginia.  I had to laugh
while reading one of the other messages that listed D.C as one of the great
transportation places.  I believe the person was saying that someone who
lived in D.C for example wouldn't be as interested in driving because the
transportation is so good.  I live about 20 minutes from the city, do not
live on the metro line, and the nearest bus stop is at least 3 miles away.
I completely depend on family and friends.  As far as Para transportation,
Metro Access requires a week in advance notice.  I have heard they require
an hour window.  I have never used them because I have heard too many horror
stories, and now do to budget cuts I am now out of their area.  This message
is not to sit and complain, which admittedly so far that is what it sounds
like.  Instead, I am trying to illustrate how narrow of a window D.C
actually is.  I am currently in a serious relationship with a guy who owns
his own home in Fredericksburg, which is a little over an hour south of D.C.
We are seriously discussing marriage and our future.  If I could see we
would just keep the house, but since I cannot drive and there are no
transportation options what so ever in Spotsylvania county, we are forced to
sell the house and move into something smaller with no yard in the city of
Fredericksburg.  I apologize for the extreme negativity of this message,
this has just been a very hot issue.  I think it is naive to recognize how
limiting not having a car is.  To be fully mobile, it really seems like you
have to live in a city... not even in suburbs of a city.  

I would love to know, where those of you who do not seem to find this a bone
of contention live.  I don't mean that question to sound rude, again I am
just frustrated.  Jon and I are willing to move, but I am just wondering.

Thanks for reading my rants.  
Jessica 

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of nikki Wunderlich
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 1:37 PM
To: davidb521 at gmail.com; 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Paratransit Vs. fixed Routes

Hello David,

I think if you don't have to use parra transit because you can use fixed
routes with confidence, then I would use the fixed routes. But as I said in
my last email to the list I do not live with in walking distance of a bus
stop, and have no way to get to it. Also even if I did live with in walking
distance of the bus stop there's a busy high way between where I live and
the bus stop. I believe it's 4 laines either direction. SSo in total I'd
have to cross 8 lanes of traffic, some of which are turning lanes. Crossing
2 or four lanes of traffic doesn't bother me, but any more than that is
really daunting to me. I mean I could probably do it if I had to, but if I
don't have to I'm not going to. I used to live with my sister in the same
apartment complex that I'm living in now, and back then I qualified for
Metro Mobility, so I don't see why I wouldn't qualify for it now, but we'll
have to see. Personally if I could use fixed routes I would, because it's
less expencive, but I can't. It's not because of my travel skills either.
They're pretty good. My vision is my only disability too. Well I think this
email is long enough, so I will end it and say to all I hope you have a
great day!

Nikki

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of David
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2011 12:17 PM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: [Blindtlk] Paratransit Vs. fixed Routes

Hello. I was reading the thread discussing the pros and cons of blind
driving, and noticed some discussion regarding paratransit versus fixed
routes. What I am wondering is this. Does paratransit in most cities closely
follow fixed routes within a certain radius as I assume it does in Palm
Beach County? From what I read from the list, paratransit is neither
superior or inferior to fixed routes, hence it's name. Therefore, if
blindness is your only disability, and your travel skills enable you to
travel anywhere you please with confidence, as is the case with me, what are
the advantages of paratransit, if any? I am interested in hearing your
thoughts on this.

David

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