[Md-sligo] FW: Metro Access is going to be partnering with Uber

Wed Sep 7 13:54:56 UTC 2016

Thanks to Charlie, I got this article. It will be helpful to get more details about the program.
Yasmin, when you have a moment, there's an article that I found courtesy of NFB Newsline with regards to Metro Access partnering with Uber.  I hope that you enjoy it.  Thanks,
Charlie

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Metro eyes app services to cut MetroAccess costs .

Luz Lazo. The transition of thousands of MetroAccess trips to a less-costly option such as Uber or Lyft could save Metro as much as $6 million annually, the transit agency says.

The agency hopes to start generating savings next spring, when some of Metro's disabled and elderly customers could choose to make their subsidized journeys via the ride-hailing services.

Metro is moving forward with plans to partner with providers such as Uber and Lyft to establish an alternative to MetroAccess, its door-to-door service for the elderly and people with disabilities. Metro's plan is to launch the program, Abilities-Ride, on March 1, according to agency documents to be discussed at a board meeting Thursday.

MetroAccess customers will have the choice of booking - through the use of technology - rides on the days they need them, a major improvement on the current MetroAccess rule that trips be booked 24 hours ahead.

Metro estimates that between 150,000 and 250,000 trips will be taken during the first year of operations. This is projected to result in savings of $4 million to $6 million in the first year, according to documents prepared for the board meeting.

Metro will pay up to $15 per trip to the contracting companies, reducing its expenses significantly when compared with the MetroAccess cost of $44 per trip.

"The program vendors are able to provide more flexible and less costly service because they are not required to carry the infrastructure required by paratransit providers," Metro officials said in the board report. "Metro aims to leverage their flexibility and low-cost option for the benefit of addressing the travel needs of MetroAccess customers.

Abilities-Ride will be introduced in Maryland, where two-thirds of MetroAccess customers live. But transit officials say it could eventually be expanded to Metro's entire service area.

Uber and Lyft top the list of prospective contractors for the service, which officials say also would answer customers' growing demand for same-day, app-based transportation services.

Metro plans to issue a request for proposal at the end of this month with the intent of awarding contracts to as many as three companies in early January and start service in March.

The ride-hailing option is expected to be popular among customers who do not need wheelchair-accessible vehicles to travel. Still, some people with disabilities and advocates have been critical of Metro's intent to partner with the companies, saying they lack wheelchair-accessible vehicles and training in dealing with special-needs populations.

Metro said the program will be designed to generate savings while ensuring that many of the demands of the community are met. The agency acknowledges that not all of the vehicles will be wheelchair-accessible.

Metro has set a range of requirements for the service providers, including that they offer on-demand services, have a rigorous vetting process for drivers and offer drivers training in dealing with people with disabilities.

Metro's Accessibility Advisory Committee, which offers the agency feedback on issues affecting those with disabilities, has urged the agency to set safety and security standards for the program, to be open to contracting with local transportation providers instead of Uber and Lyft, and to keep in mind that many elderly and disabled customers cannot navigate Web-based applications.

The group, however, has also backed Metro's objective to sustain the more-costly MetroAccess service, acknowledging that the new program could help lower overall costs. A paratransit ride averages about $50 in the Washington area, a much higher cost than using rail or bus, each of which averages between $3 and $4 per trip.

Other transit agencies across the country also are pursuing partnerships with app-based transportation providers to lower paratransit costs. Metro officials have said that expanding options and reducing costs are essential as demand for service increases with aging populations and rising disability rates.

luz.lazo at washpost.com<mailto:luz.lazo at washpost.com>

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Charles L. Short Jr. Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Administrative Aide Dental Program 240-777-1875 main line 240-777-3136 personal

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