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

Wed Jul 24 20:01:30 UTC 2024

I want to add my voice to those of Curtis and Julie R. I think the peer
review could result in a scale-back of Access-onDemand. It's an innovative
approach with which few peers may have had any experience, and there have
also been unintended consequences in terms of the surge of paratransit
applications and acceptances since Access-on-Demand came on the scene. And
the rationale that the cost of Access-on-Demand costs far less than the
standard Access-A-Ride  could reach a tipping point because of increased
users and the lack of incentive to wait for price surges to subside if the
first $25 is covered no matter what. what happens when all these factors
result, not in cost savings for RTD's paratransit, but cost increases?

Full disclosure: I regularly ride with blind friends who have
Access-on-Demand. But it feels to me like we're may be due for a swing-back
of the pendulum.

Dan

On Wed, Jul 24, 2024 at 12:21 PM Julie Reiskin via Colorado-Talk <
colorado-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> 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
> Organizational phone: 303-839-1775 | Direct Phone: 303-667-4216
>
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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==>
>>
>>
>>
>> Regional Transportation District | 1660 Blake Street | Denver, CO 80202 US
>>
>>
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-- 
Dan Burke

National Federation of the Blind of Colorado Legislative Co-chair

"Blindness is not what holds you back.  You can live the life you want!"

My Cell:  406.546.8546
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