[Central-MD-Chapter] Important Update Regarding MTA Call-A-Ride Changes

[president at nfbmd.org]

Dear Federation Family,

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland (NFBMD) is aware of the
chaotic and problem-riddled rollout of the new MTA Call-A-Ride procedures
that began yesterday, November 9. We know that many of our members and
others who rely on Call-A-Ride have experienced significant difficulties,
and we share your frustration and concern.

 

Please know that NFBMD is actively working to address these issues. We have
activated a task force consisting of representatives from the chapters with
members in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Ann Arundel County, as well
as our Transportation Committee leadership. We are also coordinating with
our partners in the disability community, as well as state and local
government officials, to identify problems, advocate for solutions, and
ensure that the voices of riders are heard.

 

We have formally requested that MTA suspend implementation of the new
procedures and return to the previous process and systems until the problems
can be resolved. We will share MTA's response to that request as soon as we
receive it. We also expect to provide additional information soon about the
steps MTA is taking to address the problems riders are experiencing with the
new systems and process.

 

In addition, NFBMD is developing a feedback form to collect specific
experiences, concerns, and suggestions from Call-A-Ride users. This
information will help us document the problems, identify patterns, and
advocate directly with MTA for meaningful solutions. We hope to have the
form available later tonight and will share it with you as soon as it is
ready.

 

In the meantime, if you are experiencing an urgent Call-A-Ride problem that
jeopardizes your health or safety, please contact me directly at 443-4264110
(text is ideal but calls are acceptable if needed). Examples include being
at risk of missing a critical medical appointment, such as dialysis, or
being stranded outdoors in inclement weather while waiting for
transportation. I will do what I can to help escalate these urgent
situations to the appropriate officials. If you are in immediate danger or
experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.

 

If you have other specific concerns, experiences, or feedback to share, you
are also welcome to email me off-list at  <mailto:President at nfbmd.org>
President at nfbmd.org until our feedback form is available.

 

We recognize that MTA Call-A-Ride is not simply a convenience. For many
Marylanders with disabilities, it is an essential transportation service
that makes it possible to get to work, attend medical appointments, meet
daily needs, and participate fully in our communities. Riders deserve a
system that is reliable, accessible, and responsive to their needs.

 

We will continue advocating for accountability and prompt solutions, and we
will keep you informed as this situation develops.

 

Yours,

Ronza 

Ronza Othman, President

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

443-426-4110

Pronouns: she, her, hers

 

Need to meet with me?   <https://calendly.com/president-nfbmd/30min> Please
use this link to schedule through Calendly.

 

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not
the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://nfbnet.org/pipermail/central-md-chapter_nfbnet.org/attachments/20261110/a12abba2/attachment.htm>