[Blindtlk] Paratransit Vs. fixed Routes

Fri May 13 02:08:39 UTC 2011

I can post mome information about elegability for para transit in Minnesota
one day next week since as of yesterday I am qualified to use para transit
here in Minnesota.

Nikki

On Tue, May 10, 2011 at 12:16 PM, David Evans <drevans at bellsouth.net> wrote:

>
> 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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>
>
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-- 
I thank you for the emails
nikki