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

Wed Jul 24 18:19:37 UTC 2024

Curtis
I am glad you raised this issue because it has to be discussed.  I expect
if the RTD ballot measure does not pass and the agency is forced to cut
services the leniency of eligibility will end.  The law says paratransit is
required for people that cannot use fixed route with or without
accommodations.   I think the fact that RTD is running at 60% capacity
still on pandemic schedule coupled with the improved service one gets using
Access on Demand is driving more people that might have used fixed route at
least some of the time to paratransit.

I see this as an issue for the entire disability community to discuss
internally --we fought for integrated transportation.  What do we do when
the integrated model does not work?  Is the problem we see with RTD
disability related or not?   I do not have an answer but am glad the
question is raised because it bears discussion.     I also think in many
cases untangling if not using fixed route is or is not disability related
is challenging.

--

With Gratitude,

Julie Reiskin
Co-Executive Director
Email Address: jreiskin at ccdconline.org
Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition
1385 S. Colorado Blvd. Bldg. A., Suite 610
Denver, CO 80222
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On Wed, Jul 24, 2024 at 9:22 AM Curtis Chong via Colorado-Talk <
colorado-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> 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>
> Date: Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 6:30 PM
> Subject: Access-on-Demand: Peer Review Update
> To: <maryannmigs at gmail.com>
>
>
>
> In early March 2024, you received an email announcing that RTD had
> commissioned a peer review...
>
> [image: Web Bug from
> 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==>*
>
>
>
> [image: Regional Transportation District 1660 Blake Street Denver Colorado
> 80202]
> <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 *dedicated webpage to garner
> feedback*
> <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx3-2JTiNG6gMigSZaXH0ZCXX8fT5sC3PwzRG4jD7d4XL7LKCF0gVO1trBxhxf5225Mi4kwUadGFrHgQb3a34snOsULCamqdGrG0UfY6G_38JQE94eo6kwMoEBcJGAUPnig1r2pijO3Gqg&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>
> 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
>
> generalmanager at rtd-denver.com
>
>
>
>
>
> The *Regional Transportation District*
> <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx34wGsMhiRhUt_v9CSCweC4qx0q6VVVe37CPu-BxhnyeRYM0TcVyTdxLzdtAFU77Ytvwc5QgjBM6SJvfbRkAAldrIYcf6okWu2_f_o4VHLwCZ&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>
> (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.
>
>
>
>
>
> [image: Facebook]
> <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx37g0qOBzWtgdxG9yyHsi87RgRQfqNuttVBXrlHAgih1JvHI4CLvwJvA88oHX_W0nICMnsPSkV53513hnkbPJHF529pQhLs1AamtUIR1TQ895&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>
>    [image: Instagram]
> <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx37g0qOBzWtgdT1GZdhO3kS5OFRMEcPUSaAriQOYVkkQBswIfsnPwm_tLK9se1E58_gmytVeZ9HezvEq6t76rmxOqlbXh3Cc2mHuPejLToNqH5mELxAC-nnw=&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>
>      [image: LinkedIn]
> <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx34wGsMhiRhUtHCV_uKiF1Auh6o3aztJJdpNzdREnbkSXzmhkm5q9LNRzZRha9rk4HvinG9E_8FlA3Ee-iKOQdbK9sZWi5r7L3GHGGW5cGXbciG0rBIaQZd0=&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>
>      [image: X]
> <https://xgt4dogbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001uFgz8qjJX8GbC0N5rNyv87Q3DIKJijK-nE7ZDSDgIpuEE1CUVkqx34wGsMhiRhUtsiWjqj9RlM1DMDNG1SaS8r_uQSex8K6eCY6UF7zMTtFsy73QV6avc80arA7lfJJ1E_N3A6fmsrtlwb4H5MTLjRny5d70kKcw&c=49AQXrg7lNZ-soAandwwhzAmtPk71ykb1JvE9IGFzD9SPARzfB3TcA==&ch=sMD_r5Mv8vGCTx8MspHwilwISmrT_kh-vRjRBpa2gug5rG1rX0sNoQ==>
>      [image: YouTube]
> <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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