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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Folks,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am sharing an update on the MTA Mobility system / phone outage situation. There is no update on when the normal processes and systems will be brought back online. However, there are some interim measures that MTA has established to mitigate some of the challgnes. See below.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:47.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>MTA core services (Local Bus, Metro Subway, Light Rail), MARC, Commuter Bus and Mobility Call-A-Ride are still operating normally. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:47.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Mobility paratransit services are also operating. As of Friday, August 29 MTA has </span><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>partnered with MV Transportation to provide customer service and scheduling support through an interim call system</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>. </span><span style='font-size:11.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Mobility/paratransit riders can now schedule, confirm, or adjust trips by calling the MTA mobility reservation number at 410-764-8181. The call center has extended hours until 7pm daily. Call volume is highest between 2-5pm. Wait times are shorter in the mornings. </span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:47.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Additionally, some MTA service operations and information systems, including real-time information and call centers, may experience impacts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:47.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>MTA’s primary goal is to ensure the safety and security of its transit customers and employees. MDOT/MTA are working with our partners to support all communities impacted. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:47.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Individuals who use mobility devices and require wheelchair-friendly transportation can call Hart to Heart transportation to schedule rides to dialysis and other life sustaining medical appointments.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:47.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>MTA has published a helpful collection of FAQs for the disability community: <a href="https://www.mta.maryland.gov/mobility-reservations" target="_blank">LINK</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:47.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>MTA is not penalizing riders who miss their mobility rides at this time. The no-show penalty is not in effect.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in;margin-left:47.25pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1;vertical-align:baseline'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'>Mobility riders whose certifications are due to expire will be extended 90 days for the agency to complete the recertification process.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Ronza Othman, </span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>President</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Federation of the Blind of Maryland<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>443-426-4110<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pronouns: she, her, hers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>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<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>