[NFBF-Tampa] The Next Steps for our Resolution

[marion.gwizdala at gmail.com]

Dear All,

 

                At our April 26 meeting we passed a chapter resolution
concerning some of HART's para transit policies and protocol. Resolutions
have two parts: A statement of the problem phrased as a "whereas" and the
action desired by the resolution stated as resolveds. Here is the
fundamental concern of the resolution.

 

WHEREAS many of HART's policies and protocol, such as artificial return
blackouts, longer than needed cancellation windows, archaic cancellation
protocol, and unneeded recertification timelines for permanently disabled
patrons, are no longer efficient and effective; 

   

                The next step for this resolution is to present it at the
next public meeting of HART's ADA accessibility Committee on May 15. Prior
to our secretary reading the resolution in Braille, we need to have
individuals willing to make public statements about their para transit
experiences in the following areas.

 

1.	Artificial return blackouts - Have you ever needed to book a trip
for an errand you knew would only take about fifteen minutes but were told
you could not book a return trip for less than 90 minutes after your
appointment time?
2.	Longer than needed cancellation windows - Have you had the need to
cancel a trip after the two-our  window before a pick-up only to receive a
"No Show"?
3.	Archaic cancellation protocol - Have you ever needed to cancel a
trip and were forced to stay on hold for an inordinate amount of time
because the only way to cancel a trip is to actually speak to someone? No
voice mail and no email messages can cancel a trip. 
4.	Unneeded recertification timelines for permanently disabled patrons
- Are you permanently disabled with no expectation of recovery? If you
believe recertification every five years is unnecessary and burdensome, this
is your topic to speak on.
5.	Have you experienced other para transit systems with more effective
customer service practices, such as the ability to book trips online, up to
two weeks in advance, cancel trips through an automated system, and be
notified of your approaching ride?

 

 

We need at least one person to speak to at least one of these issues prior
to reading our resolution. If you need help preparing your comments, we can
assist you with that. Whether you choose to speak or not, we need you to
attend the meeting and wear your yellow Tampa Bay Chapter polo. We are
considering a Dutch lunch after the meeting. Those details will follow.

 

                If you would rather chat than send an email, please feel
free to give me a call at 813-626-2789.

 

Fraternally yours,

Marion

 

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