[IABS-Talk] Fwd: CTA Provides Front and Rear Door Boarding on Buses

[Denise Avant]

Denise R. Avant, President
National Federation Of The Blind Of Illinois

Live the life you wantSent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Serpe, Amy" <aserpe at transitchicago.com>
> Date: April 21, 2020 at 5:28:50 PM CDT
> Subject: CTA Provides Front and Rear Door Boarding on Buses
> 
> 
> Good Afternoon:
>  
> I hope that everyone is staying safe and well.
>  
> I am writing in follow-up to an e-mail sent on April 9, 2020. As of that date, the CTA started rear door boarding on all of its buses.
>  
> The CTA would appreciate anyone who is able to board and alight (get off) the bus using the back or rear door to do so. This will help a great deal in everyone’s ability to practice social distancing.
>  
> Front door boarding is still available for any customer who needs the ramp, or for the bus to kneel such as people who use mobility devices, the elderly, anyone needing the support poles to guide them, etc.
>  
> Therefore, people with disabilities may still board in the front if rear door boarding simply will not work for them, as dictated by their personal circumstance.
>  
> The Priority Seating Area is also available however please practice social distancing if needing to access these seats.
>  
> For anyone who needs to board the bus using the front door, but especially if you are a person with a hidden disability it is important that you signal the Operator to alert them to this fact.
>  
> I have talked with Bus Operations and they are actively pursuing instances of people with disabilities who are not being allowed to access front door boarding if needed.
>  
> You may also want to consider wearing a mask. While this is not required it may help protect you and others when using public transit.
>  
> You should contact CTA Customer Service at feedback at transitchicago.com or 888-YOUR CTA (1-888-968-7282) if you encounter any difficulty in accessing front door boarding of using the Priority Seating Area. All reports do receive appropriate follow-up.
>  
> These are difficult times for all of us and CTA is very much interested in keeping both its customers, as well as employees safe and well.
>  
> Thank you for your added cooperation in accessing the CTA.
>  
> Please forward this information as desired.
>  
> Access Benefits Everyone!
>  
> Amy J. Serpe
> Manager, ADA Compliance Programs
> Chicago Transit Authority
> 567 W. Lake Street, #10-31-08
> Chicago, IL 60661
> 312-681-2608 (Work)
> 312-350-2301 (Cell & Text)