[nfbmi-talk] Followup on Michigan Flyer and Metro AirportFW: 7New, Eco-Friendly Buses Give You an Even Sweeter Ride
Fred Wurtzel
f.wurtzel at att.net
Thu Nov 20 14:14:29 UTC 2014
Hello,
Well, I think that incrementalism is a valid point of view. Having a
settlement which is better , but less than perfect presumably leaves us
better off. Certainly, Karla took action and things are better than they
would have been, otherwise. This seems like a case of perfection blocking
progress. Of course, I, along with most everyone else on this side of the
issue would have preferred a return to the status quo. Unless, the NFB of
Michigan is willing to go back to court it is highly unlikely that such a
return will happen. Wishing for another outcome will not accomplish
anything. For my part, I am happy that there is a warm place to wait, a way
to contact Prospect and a plan to make the process work reasonably well. I
do not think this is a perfect solution, but I am happy that someone was
willing to take action, instead of simply complaining, and that the
situation is better than it would have been.
So, what do you think we need to do to work to make the bus stop better?
How much are we willing to spend from our treasury to fight this? For my
part, if we decide to fight more, I will support the effort, but I am
unwilling to criticize Karla for her good work and willingness to do
something when none of us did a thing except vote on a resolution. We need
to stop talking about problems and do something. Otherwise, we should be
grateful to those who are willing to take action which is in our interest.
Warmest Regards,
Fred
-----Original Message-----
From: nfbmi-talk [mailto:nfbmi-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of joe
harcz Comcast via nfbmi-talk
Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2014 8:41 AM
To: David Robinson; NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Followup on Michigan Flyer and Metro AirportFW:
7New, Eco-Friendly Buses Give You an Even Sweeter Ride
Agreed. And for those who have not read the resolution here it is:
RESOLUTION 2014-02 Michigan Flyer and SMART Bus Access to Airport
WHEREAS, the Michigan Flyer, Air Ride and Smart bus services offer a
convenient and affordable means of traveling to the Detroit Metropolitan
Airport (DTW); and
WHEREAS, many blind people use public transportation including the Michigan
Flyer, Air Ride and SMART to travel to and from the McNamara Terminal of
Detroit Metropolitan Airport; and
WHEREAS, there is a 70% unemployment rate among blind people who wish to
work, making affordable transportation an extremely important part of life
activities; and
WHEREAS, the Airport Board has decided to move the Bus Stop for these
services to another location , called the Ground Transportation Center,which
is inadequate, dangerous and inconvenient to persons using public
transportation to travel to the McNamara Terminal; and
WHEREAS, until recently, the busses have dropped passengers at an accessible
stop within 50 feet of the entrance to the terminal with no safety or other
negative consequences for over 2 years; and
WHEREAS, the Ground Transportation Center (GTC) severely limits a disabled
person's access to and communication with Prospect Airport Services, since
Prospect is located inside the McNamara Terminal near the former bus stop,,
a service used by disabled persons to assist them in getting around at the
Airport, thus leaving persons needing this assistance without access
to reasonable accommodations when getting off the bus; and
WHEREAS, the new location at the GTC is approximately 200 yards from the
nearest
indoor area of the airport, as opposed to 50 feet in the McNamara Terminal
at
the former location, thus forcing people to either wait outside for their
bus or
run quickly once it arrives. Disabled persons, especially those with
mobility
limitations, who cannot "run" quickly enough are thus forced to wait
outside,
even in harsh weather conditions; and
WHEREAS, when all three unloading spots at the new stop are occupied,
passengers loading and unloading from a bus in the middle lane are forced to
exit between vehicles and cross over
a lane of traffic, an action which could result in severe bodily harm and/or
death; and
WHEREAS, the change in bus stops conflicts with the Americans With
Disabilities law by limiting access to the terminal by persons with
disabilities; and
WHEREAS, the Ground Transportation Center does not have a service dog relief
area unlike the former stop which has dog relief facilities; and,
WHEREAS, passengers traveling from the McNamara Terminal to the new transit
pickup
location outside of the GTC must either choose to travel directly out "side
doors" that exit to active lanes of traffic, or go through a revolving door,
which
when often broken is inaccessible to those with mobility impairments. To
wit,
the Detroit Free Press in 2009 reported that the door had broken 33 times
from
April 1, 2008 to March 22, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder communicated his support in
"maintaining the
integrity of the previous stop locations" in a letter to Mr. Tom Naughton,
CEO of the
Wayne County Airport Authority and to Mr. Michael Ford, CEO of the Ann Arbor
Area Transportation Authority dated June 11, 2014; and
WHEREAS, the change of bus stop only effects those using public
transportation and drastically reduces the convenience and accessibility for
these passengers, this change unreasonably and discriminatorily targets
persons who use public transportation to travel to and from the airport by
making the environment hostile and unwelcoming to visitors to our state who
use these services to reach the many attractions and services including
colleges, industries, residences, tourist attractions and the vast natural
and commercial resources of the state of Michigan: Now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED in convention assembled this 12th day of October, 2014, in
the city of Flint, Michigan that this organization condemns and deplores the
action of the Wayne county Airport Authority in discriminating against users
of public transportation, especially those with disabilities by relocating
bus drop off points used by the Michigan Flyer, Air Ride and SMART; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that this organization call upon the Airport
Authority to immediately and permanently reverse its decision to move the
Bus Stop for the Michigan Flyer, Air Ride and Smart busses to the Ground
Transportation Center and return it to its former location at the entrance
to the McNamara Terminal; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that this organization empower our president and
board to join in any legal actions to remediate this move by the Airport
Authority, including filing of friendly briefs, or other actions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that, this organization empower our president and
board to authorize any actions, including, but not limited to, press
releases, testimony or demonstrations, which seem prudent, effective
andare designed to , result in the restoration of convenient transportation
to users of public transportation to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
----- Original Message -----
From: "David Robinson via nfbmi-talk" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
To: "Fred Wurtzel" <f.wurtzel at att.net>; "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing
List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 8:26 PM
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Followup on Michigan Flyer and Metro AirportFW:
7New, Eco-Friendly Buses Give You an Even Sweeter Ride
> Fred,
>
> Our resolution at this years convention calls for more then what is just
> in the settlement. I don't see any specific progress in the releasethat
> warrants any praise for anyone yet. Carla may have decided to settle, but
> our resolution does not call for a compromise that results in unequal
> treatment.
>
> Dave
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Fred Wurtzel via nfbmi-talk" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> To: "NFB of Michigan Internet Mailing List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 8:08 PM
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Followup on Michigan Flyer and Metro AirportFW: 7
> New,Eco-Friendly Buses Give You an Even Sweeter Ride
>
>
>> Hello,
>>
>>
>>
>> Here is a release from Michigan Flyer. There is a promising update on
>> the
>> progress toward fulfillment of the settlement.
>>
>>
>>
>> I really appreciate Karla Hudson for her proactive work on this and the
>> support of the NFB of Michigan in advocating for a reasonable settlement.
>> We will be vigilant until we are certain that blind travelers will be
>> able
>> to fully utilize this service without undue inconvenience from the
>> airport
>> authority. Together, our voices were heard.
>>
>>
>>
>> Warmest Regards,
>>
>>
>>
>> Fred
>>
>>
>>
>> From: Michigan Flyer [mailto:sales at michiganflyer.com]
>> Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2014 6:45 PM
>> To: f.wurtzel at att.net
>> Subject: 7 New, Eco-Friendly Buses Give You an Even Sweeter Ride
>>
>>
>>
>> Trouble viewing this email? Read it online
>>
<http://secure.campaigner.com/Campaigner/Public/t.show?7lzhp--3tlsa-ymsckn8&
>> _v=2>
>>
>> ?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Image removed by sender.
>>
>>
>> Image removed by sender. E-newsMasthead_November.jpg
>>
>>
>> 7 New, Eco-Friendly Buses Give You an Even Sweeter Ride
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Just for you, we're putting a brand new fleet of seven luxury
>> motorcoaches
>> on the road this month, representing a $3.8 million investment by
>> Michigan
>> Flyer's parent company, Indian Trails, Inc.
>> <http://trk.cp20.com/Tracking/t.c?7lzhp-ivu79-ymsckn8&_v=2>
>>
>> "We invested in a new fleet with high-end safety, comfort, eco-friendly
>> features because of our commitment to our customers and our communities,"
>> said Indian Trails President Gordon Mackay. "Since 2012, the number of
>> passengers who've rewarded Michigan Flyer-AirRide with their business has
>> doubled from 90,000 a year to more than 180,000."
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> The new fleet-all state-of-the-art 2015 Prevost H3-45 coaches-is equipped
>> with technology that reduces exhaust pollutants to near zero. In
>> addition,
>> each motorcoach achieves 206 passenger miles per gallon and has the
>> potential to remove 50 automobiles from the highway, further reducing air
>> pollution and traffic congestion.
>>
>> Safety features include an electronic stability system that enables
>> drivers
>> to avoid danger on slippery roads; an engine fire-detection and
>> suppression
>> system; two GPS systems; and a tire pressure monitoring system. All are
>> equipped with three-point retractable seatbelts for passengers;
>> ADA-compliant wheelchair lifts, and a large under-floor luggage
>> compartment.
>>
>> As for comfort, the new coaches offer deluxe, ergonomic seating with
>> leather
>> headrests and ample leg room; individual climate controls, reading lamps
>> and
>> cup holders; tinted, panoramic side windows; 110-volt AC outlets at each
>> seat for charging mobile devices; free WiFi; on-board lavatories; and
>> enclosed, overhead parcel racks.
>>
>>
>> Image removed by sender. Katie Donovan and Odie Norkin
>>
>> So, relax and enjoy an even better ride than before!
>>
>>
>> Detroit Metro Airport Update
>>
>> Image removed by sender. MIFlyer_Bullet_16px.JPGNew Customer Service Desk
>> at
>> DTW's McNamara Terminal
>>
>> In December, we're opening a new public-transit customer service desk
>> inside
>> the McNamara Terminal's climate-controlled Ground Transportation Center
>> (GTC), which has accessible restrooms, drinking fountains and phones
>> nearby.
>> A Michigan Flyer-AirRide staff member will be posted at the service desk
>> to
>> assist passengers on most of our scheduled runs. This lets you stay
>> inside
>> until just before your motorcoach arrives, limiting exposure to weather
>> at
>> our boarding location (in the parking ramp about 200 yards from the
>> waiting
>> area).
>>
>> Image removed by sender. MIFlyer_Bullet_16px.JPGIf You Need Help, Just
>> Ask
>>
>> If you need special assistance in accessing facilities at DTW, it's best
>> to
>> arrange for it with your airline at the time you make flight
>> reservations.
>> The airlines at DTW contract with Prospect Airport Services, Inc., to
>> provide wheelchair and baggage assistance, and more. You can also call
>> Prospect directly to arrange for help, preferably in advance but also
>> when
>> you're at the airport. Prospect's phone number at DTW's McNamara Terminal
>> is
>> 734-247-2400; at the North Terminal, it's 734-247-1121.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Image removed by sender. New Customer Service Desk at McNamara Terminal
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Cheers to You This Thanksgiving!
>>
>> Thanks to you-our wonderful passengers-Michigan Flyer is now celebrating
>> its
>> eighth anniversary! With your support, our service has been growing
>> rapidly
>> since 2012.
>>
>> Over the years, you've told us you love how we enable you to ride in
>> comfort, avoid traffic, stay productive, save money, conserve energy and
>> protect the environment. And it doesn't hurt that we help connect two
>> great
>> university towns with one another and the world, and generate millions in
>> economic benefit for both regions.
>>
>> However, you also really wanted the convenience of near-hourly departures
>> every day between early morning and late evening.
>>
>>
>>
>> Image removed by sender. Happy Thanksgiving!
>>
>> We delivered in November 2013, upping our daily schedule of roundtrips
>> from
>> eight to 12 on the East Lansing-Ann Arbor segment of our route to and
>> from
>> Detroit Metro Airport. A one-year, one-time start-up grant from the
>> Federal
>> Highway Administration helped us do it. Because of the continuing surge
>> in
>> loyal riders like you, the four new runs are now self-supporting.
>>
>> We'd like to express our gratitude to our friends at the Ann Arbor Area
>> Transportation Authority
>> <http://trk.cp20.com/Tracking/t.c?7lzhp-ivu7a-ymsckn8&_v=2> , too. A
>> giant
>> first step toward greater frequency was the formation of a public-private
>> partnership with AAATA ("TheRide") in February 2012 to increase daily
>> roundtrips from eight to 13 on the Ann Arbor-DTW segment of our route,
>> which
>> we operate as "AirRide
>> <http://trk.cp20.com/Tracking/t.c?7lzhp-ivu7b-ymsckn9&_v=2> ." It's been
>> a
>> resounding success for Southeast Michigan, and no local property taxes go
>> to
>> support AirRide.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Image removed by sender.
>>
>>
>> Why Drive?!
>>
>> Booking is easy, click here
>> <http://trk.cp20.com/Tracking/t.c?7lzhp-ivu7c-ymsckn0&_v=2> to view
>> schedules on
>> Image removed by sender.
>> Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
>>
>> Image removed by sender.
>> <http://trk.cp20.com/Tracking/t.c?7lzhp-ivu7d-ymsckn1&_v=2> Image removed
>> by
>> sender.
>>
>> Image removed by sender.
>>
>>
>>
>> Michigan Flyer
>> 333 Albert Street Suite 214 | East Lansing, MI 48823
>> <http://trk.cp20.com/Tracking/t.c?7lzhp-ivu7e-ymsckn2&_v=2>
>> www.michiganflyer.com
>>
>>
>>
>> **Unsubscribing will affect your ability to receive Michigan Flyer
>> information
>> pertaining to general schedule changes or other updates.
>>
>>
>>
>> This email is intended for f.wurtzel at att.net.
>> Update your preferences
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>>
>>
>> _____
>>
>>
>>
<http://www.campaigner.com/?utm_source=campaigner&utm_medium=email&utm_campa
>> ign=deliveryfooter> Image removed by sender.Image removed by sender.
>>
>>
>
>
>
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