[MD-Sligo] FW: Good News--flat MetroAccess fare

[Deborah]

This sent to me from Denise Rush, a report on something else we have long
wanted in this area.

 

From: Denise Rush [mailto:drush301 at outlook.com] 
Sent: Friday, April 7, 2023 9:54 AM
To: Deborah <deborahb14 at verizon.net>
Subject: Good News

 

Jordan Pascale | DCist | March 23, 2023

 

Jordan Pascale

 

. . . The board also called for a $4 cap for MetroAccess paratransit rides,
a win long fought for by people in the disability community, and a $6 cap on
Metrorail fares instead of the previously-discussed $6.50. A final vote on
the budget is expected next month. . . .

 

For nearly a decade, people in the disability community have called for
cheaper fares on MetroAccess paratransit services. Thursday, their wish came
true after board member Sarah Kline recommended a $4 cap for MetroAccess
fares. The board agreed.

 

"I almost had a heart attack," Denise Rush of the Accessibility Advisory
Committee.  "Thank you for hearing and listening. I'm doing a happy dance."

 

Rush lost her vision at 48 and MetroAccess got her to work for 22 years.  It
also got her to entertainment like Chris Rock and Tina Turner.

 

"Paratransit system has been my lifeline," she said.  "It made me want to go
forward instead of lay down and die.  It is very important to a lot of
people who have disabilities."

 

MetroAccess fares are currently set at "twice the fastest comparable
fixed-route fare with a maximum of $6.50 per trip. Fare calculations
consider the time of day, trip distance, and the fastest mode of available
transportation."

 

The move will cost WMATA $500,000 but will be offset by moving some people
to the cheaper Abilities Ride service that partners with cab companies and
car services.

 

Metro instituted flat fares for Metrorail after 9 p.m. and on weekends, and
the disability community asked for the same but didn't get it.

 

Patrick Sheehan of the Accessibility Advisory Committee said the disability
community often doesn't have a loud voice.

 

"But we spoke, and you said you would listen and you did.

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