[NFB-NM] FW: Community Alert

[nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com]

Best wishes,
 
Tonia Trapp, secretary
National Federation of the Blind of New Mexico
 
From: Trapp, Greg, CFB <Greg.Trapp at state.nm.us> 
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2021 9:31 PM
To: 'nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com' <nfbnewmexicosecretary at gmail.com>
Subject: Community Alert
 
 
SUBJECT: Community Alert
 
FROM: Greg Trapp, Executive Director, New Mexico Commission for the Blind
DATE: September 29, 2021
 
I believe the Albuquerque metro area is likely to experience a significant
shortage of Uber, Lyft, and GoGoGrandparent rideshare services during the
Balloon Fiesta. I anticipate that severe ridesharing shortages will begin on
Friday, October 1, and continue through Monday, October 11. It is also
possible that rideshare shortages could begin as early as Thursday,
September 30, and continue through at least Tuesday, October 12. I have been
told by ABQ Ride that the Sun Van paratransit program will be operating as
usual and does not anticipate any problems due to the Balloon Fiesta. 
 
There is currently a shortage of rideshare drivers, a bus driver shortage,
and a shortage of rental cars. Given the likely influx of a large number of
Balloon Fiesta visitors, this has the potential to create a "perfect storm"
of events that may make it difficult or impossible to get a Lyft or Uber
during the Balloon Fiesta. It is already difficult to get a rideshare during
peak times such as from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. It is also possible that
services such as Grubhub, Instacart, DoorDash, and Postdates may also be
affected as they tend to share the same pool of drivers. However, it is not
possible to know with certainty what will actually happen.  
 
Persons using ridesharing services during the Balloon Fiesta could find
themselves unable to schedule a ride or be stranded and unable to get a
return ride. Persons who use services such as Instacard may also experience
delays in orders.  It is my recommendation that caution be exercised until
the extent of any problem is known. Rideshare users may also wish to
consider using Sun Van or other alternative methods of transportation or
have backup transportation whenever possible. Scheduling rides in advance
may also help, though the uncertainty of getting a return ride should be
kept in mind.  
 
Greg Trapp, JD
Executive Director
New Mexico Commission for the Blind
2200 Yale Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-841-8844
www.cfb.state.nm.us <http://www.cfb.state.nm.us> 
 
 
 
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