[Nfbc-info] Paratransit regulations

Wed Mar 30 05:43:53 UTC 2016

Who on this list pays for a driver? You're fortunate to have the funds to
make that choice. I consider myself fortunate enough to pay a driver;
sometimes Uber, sometimes a friend in need of extra income, and sometimes
para transit. The local center for the blind is one of a number of agencies
that can certify the need for para transit. I like knowing that I have
almost as many transportation options as the next guy down the street. Lucky
for us we live in a region where we have so many choices. 

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbc-info [mailto:nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Mary
Willows via Nfbc-info
Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 3:22 PM
To: 'NFB of California List' <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Mary Willows <mwillows at sbcglobal.net>
Subject: Re: [Nfbc-info] Paratransit regulations

I believe all the ADA says is that alternative transportation must be
offered during the same time the fixed route buses are running.  The
Department of Transportation oversees the ADA regulations but your local bus
company contracts with a third party to offer para transit services.  So DOT
says there must be an alternative service and then the Livermore Amidor
Valley Transit Authority contracts with MV to provide that service.  In
fact, technically, blind people should not be using para transit at all.  So
if they are allowing you on the bus, be greatful.  Our contract says that
you cannot live within 2 blocks of a fixed route bus stop.  Blindness is not
really a reason to be picked up door to door.  Para transit was intended for
wheelchair people and other severe disabilities.  If you are just blind and
your legs work to walk and you have the cognative ability to get on a bus
and pay your way, you are really not supposed to be using para transit.
This is a perfect example of where you have to decide if you are vanilla or
chocolate.  You can't have it both ways.  That is to say, wanting
preferential treatment on the one hand and then wanting to be viewed as an
independent disabled adult on the other hand.

This ought to spark some lively discussion.  Don't you think?  
This is the perfect time for the San Diego Chapter members to try and get on
the advisory committee for your transit system.  Ask Dennis Russak.  He
knows all about the ADA service in Sacramento.  He is Mr. Transportation.
Jim served on our local para transit advisory committee for many, many
years.  The really funny thing is that the members were quite often late for
the meeting because they relied on para transit to get them there.  It was
perfect.  Management saw first hand how inefficient the service was.

It would be very interesting to see what the listers say about this topic.
It's a button pusher.

-Mary Willows
The National Federation of the blind 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.

National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBC)
3934 Kern Court
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925-462-8575

Thank you,
Mary Willows, President NFBC
mwillows at sbcglobal.net 

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbc-info [mailto:nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Clark,
Ted A at DOT via Nfbc-info
Sent: Tuesday, March 29, 2016 8:59 AM
To: NFB of California List
Cc: Clark, Ted A at DOT
Subject: Re: [Nfbc-info] Paratransit regulations

It is my understanding that it will vary from location to location on the
window time. And as far as I am aware there are no penalties against
paratransit if they are not with inside the window.
Contact your local paratransit and ask them to see if they have a guide
spelling out the commuters rights

Ted Clark
EEO/Disability Analyst
Equal Employment Opportunity Program (EEOP)
1820 Alhambra Blvd, MS 92
Sacramento, CA 95816
Office (916) 227-7518,
Fax (916) 227-5199
TTY 711

-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbc-info [mailto:nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lisa
Irving via Nfbc-info
Sent: Monday, March 28, 2016 5:46 PM
To: NFB of California List
Cc: Lisa Irving
Subject: Re: [Nfbc-info] Paratransit regulations

I would like to direct this topic to Mike Tim Ted and all other
knowledgeable individuals who might sit on committees or work with entities
overseeing Paratransit. As you can see from Mary's response and for my
information there a different standards for for Paratransit providers that
is, there seems to be no consistency with the allowed window or actual
consequences to the Paratransit provider. On one hand, according to Mary,
her paratransit service provider gives a free ride if the driver is outside
of his or her window. On the other hand, down here in San Diego no free
rides are given unless the driver is an hour late. Go figure they have a 20
minute window but there appear to be no consequences until the drivers an
hour late where is there the incentive to be on time?

I'm prior occasions I have read some of the Paratransit regulations that is
why I'm asking folks on the listserv about the regulations because they are
not crystal-clear and there appeared to be different standards from provider
to provider. What does California law say? The 88 appears to be somewhat
ambiguous to perhaps I'm mistaken

On a similar thread, at what point or Paratransit providers discriminating
against the general population of Paratransit users when the bulk of
subscription rides are assigned to one specific population within the
disability community?

Respectfully,
Lisa Irving

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 28, 2016, at 10:07 AM, Mary Willows via Nfbc-info
<nfbc-info at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> You can google the regulations for your service.  Each one is a little 
> different.  Up here (Tri Valley) it is 15 minutes either side of your 
> pick up time.  If they miss that half hour your next ride is free.
> However, East Bay para transit does not offer that.
> MW
> 
> The National Federation of the blind 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.
> 
> National Federation of the Blind of California (NFBC)
> 3934 Kern Court
> Pleasanton, CA 94588
> 925-462-8575
> 
> Thank you,
> Mary Willows, President NFBC
> mwillows at sbcglobal.net
> 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nfbc-info [mailto:nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of 
> Lisa Irving via Nfbc-info
> Sent: Monday, March 28, 2016 7:44 AM
> To: NFB LIST SERVE
> Cc: Lisa Irving
> Subject: [Nfbc-info] Paratransit regulations
> 
> I have a question about Paratransit regulations. At what point are 
> there consequences for Paratransit providers when they are outside of 
> their window? San Diego Paratransit has a 20 minute window.
> 
> Best,
> Lisa Irving
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
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