[Colorado-Talk] Fwd: Access-on-Demand: Peer Review Update

Wed Jul 24 15:20:58 UTC 2024

Hello everyone:

Thank you, Maryann, for circulating this email to the broader community. I shudder to think what recommendations will come out of the panel given that few, if any, of us were contacted to provide information and/or comments to this panel. In my experience talking to folks across the country, a service like Access-on-Demand is not something that commonly exists. Despite the multiple stops issue being a point of contention here, what we have with Access-on-Demand seems to be something that is not being modeled by other paratransit delivery systems.

One thought that has crossed my mind (and please don't shoot me here) is that RTD's eligibility criteria to qualify for paratransit services seems to be incredibly flexible--to the point where even people with low vision and no other physical issues are qualifying for paratransit services--ad by extension, Access-on-Demand. Rumor has it that the number of paratransit customers now being served by RTD has grown considerably since Access-on-Demand was introduced. Is this what paratransit should be doing?

Hopefully, during the month of August, we will get a better idea as to what the panel will be recommending to RTD. Folks, stay tuned.

Kind regards,

Curtis Chong

From: Colorado-Talk <colorado-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Maryann Migliorelli via Colorado-Talk
Sent: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 8:50 PM
To: NFB of Colorado Discussion List <colorado-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Maryann Migliorelli <maryannmigs at gmail.com>
Subject: [Colorado-Talk] Fwd: Access-on-Demand: Peer Review Update

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Debra A. Johnson <generalmanager at rtd-denver.com <mailto:generalmanager at rtd-denver.com> >
Date: Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Subject: Access-on-Demand: Peer Review Update
To: <maryannmigs at gmail.com <mailto:maryannmigs at gmail.com> >

In early March 2024, you received an email announcing that RTD had commissioned a peer review...

  <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=0b48c660-310c-4c34-9157-bc0bb115803e&a=1140787760343&c=a9fc83a4-dbe7-11ee-836f-fa163e0f14ae&ch=aa08eab8-dbe7-11ee-836f-fa163e0f14ae> 

View as a webpage. <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx33inHE-J1BeIBbGzQz01IdksU6EQcacRCVouv-EvG1YPchcO0VJJ3aws8VvtJZBFoiiyDda6GSLK7b0deDXmSh17Bw9WDQ5bOQ==&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==> 

 <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx36M-JDnw2USBMFRPW2w5L7ZTI2N63ySYlv49Wc6p0Nqm_w8hESLJOZvOBXPaIvpLsVmbWNHjlk9SMHB4labKcQBsfG7fei9KQAYIkESff1Ow&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==> 

Good evening, Access-a-Ride customer.

In early March 2024, you received an email announcing that RTD had commissioned a peer review of the agency’s paratransit operations and service delivery. In the public transit industry, peer reviews are used to analyze a broad range of issues including but not limited to transit operations, organizational efficiency, and program management.

The peer review launched in April 2024, was led by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), and included industry subject-matter experts with geographical representation across the country. The on-location portion of the peer review occurred in May 2024 when the reviewers met with staff, customers, and community stakeholders.

The panel was engaged at RTD’s request to assess the agency’s traditional Access-a-Ride paratransit and Access-on-Demand services, including aspects such as:

*	Model program parameters, including responsible cost controls and sound customer-facing processes
*	Tools to ensure optimal service performance and cost-effectiveness
*	Adherence with federal paratransit requirements, and
*	Best practices at similar transit agencies

As you may be aware, APTA peer reviews are conducted by subject-matter experts who volunteer their time to assist agencies. It was initially anticipated that RTD would receive the panel’s final report no later than June 28, 2024, as stated during the RTD Board meeting on May 29, 2024. However, due to a personal, unforeseen emergency with one of the volunteer reviewers, the timeline had to be adjusted. The final peer review report is now expected on or before July 31, 2024. Information from the report, which will include observations and recommendations, will be shared with RTD’s Board of Directors.

RTD is focused on ensuring all mobility services are delivered equitably and in alignment with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). For the Access-on-Demand program to continue, it needs to be both equitable and sustainable. The peer review will provide RTD with enhancement opportunities that are meant to support its continued success and service to customers.

I recognize that there have been many questions about the Access-on-Demand program and concerns about recent changes to its operations. Your patience and understanding as RTD has taken the time to undertake this holistic and careful peer review have been greatly appreciated.

Staff will continue to collaborate with the Access-a-Ride Paratransit Advisory Committee, an advocacy group comprised of individuals dedicated to improving Access-a-Ride services, to solicit feedback and examine solutions. Further, RTD has created a  <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx3-2JTiNG6gMigSZaXH0ZCXX8fT5sC3PwzRG4jD7d4XL7LKCF0gVO1trBxhxf5225Mi4kwUadGFrHgQb3a34snOsULCamqdGrG0UfY6G_38JQE94eo6kwMoEBcJGAUPnig1r2pijO3Gqg&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==> dedicated webpage to garner feedback on this matter.

In closing, thank you for your continued patronage and patience as RTD strives to make lives better through connections.

Sincerely,

––Debra

Debra A. Johnson

General Manager and CEO

 <mailto:generalmanager at rtd-denver.com> generalmanager at rtd-denver.com

The  <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx34wGsMhiRhUt_v9CSCweC4qx0q6VVVe37CPu-BxhnyeRYM0TcVyTdxLzdtAFU77Ytvwc5QgjBM6SJvfbRkAAldrIYcf6okWu2_f_o4VHLwCZ&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==> Regional Transportation District (RTD) was created in 1969 by the Colorado General Assembly to develop, operate and maintain a mass transportation system that now benefits more than 3.1 million people in the Denver metro area. With a service area of 2,342 square miles, RTD provides transit services in all or part of eight counties and more than 40 municipalities. The transportation agency's services are delivered via 126 bus routes, six light rail lines, four commuter rail lines, and paratransit mobility options.

 <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx37g0qOBzWtgdxG9yyHsi87RgRQfqNuttVBXrlHAgih1JvHI4CLvwJvA88oHX_W0nICMnsPSkV53513hnkbPJHF529pQhLs1AamtUIR1TQ895&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>       <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx37g0qOBzWtgdT1GZdhO3kS5OFRMEcPUSaAriQOYVkkQBswIfsnPwm_tLK9se1E58_gmytVeZ9HezvEq6t76rmxOqlbXh3Cc2mHuPejLToNqH5mELxAC-nnw=&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>        <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx34wGsMhiRhUtHCV_uKiF1Auh6o3aztJJdpNzdREnbkSXzmhkm5q9LNRzZRha9rk4HvinG9E_8FlA3Ee-iKOQdbK9sZWi5r7L3GHGGW5cGXbciG0rBIaQZd0=&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>        <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx34wGsMhiRhUtsiWjqj9RlM1DMDNG1SaS8r_uQSex8K6eCY6UF7zMTtFsy73QV6avc80arA7lfJJ1E_N3A6fmsrtlwb4H5MTLjRny5d70kKcw&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>        <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx37g0qOBzWtgd5l5a2zX87pwVAZnbAxZL31n8RoxXKT0iiQbG86eiuAborcV3yLAz_PCGr3ej7dua_ptHbS6-5hkdh02vGJh9f79lfcaJcU-w1yoYZGtjvZY=&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>  

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