[nfbmi-talk] {Disarmed} Fwd: ALERT: Detroit Airport Orders Michigan Flyer-AirRide to Move

[Fred Wurtzel]

Fred Wurtzel
Sent from my iPod

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Michigan Flyer" <sales at michiganflyer.com>
> Date: September 18, 2014 at 10:07:21 AM MDT
> To: <f.wurtzel at att.net>
> Subject: ALERT: Detroit Airport Orders Michigan Flyer-AirRide to Move
> Reply-To: reply_bogajm_lyzvrgz at cp20.com
> 
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> 
>  ALERT: Detroit Airport Orders Michigan Flyer-AirRide to Move
> Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) plans to relocate our current McNamara Terminal stop from curbside at International Arrivals to the Ground Transportation Center in the parking ramp across the road. Unless DTW’s plans change, the move will be effective on Monday, Sept. 22, 2014.
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> This would affect all Michigan Flyer-AirRide passengers taking flights to or from DTW’s McNamara Terminal (i.e., those flying on Delta Airlines and Air France).	
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> To most affected passengers carrying minimal luggage, the new location proposed by DTW—about 500 feet from the terminal—would just be less convenient. But for others—including many seniors and people with disabilities—it would be a hardship. In fact, the Transportation for Michigan coalition assessed the situation firsthand and concluded that DTW’s proposed move “creates new barriers for individuals with disabilities.” See their report here.
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> We’re urging DTW to reconsider the move, or at least make it easier on passengers. Below, we explain how to prepare for the move if it occurs—and how to voice your opinion on the matter, if you wish to do so.
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> Please note that our schedule will stay the same regardless. So will our location at DTW’s North Terminal. And while the change at McNamara Terminal would create some challenges, we’re as dedicated as always to providing you with the safest, most reliable and affordable motorcoach connections possible.
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> How the Move May Affect You
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> Learn how to find us again. Accessing the proposed new location involves taking two escalator/elevator rides, plus crossing the Bridge Walk between the McNamara Terminal and parking ramp. The diagram above may help you visualize the path. Michigan Flyer-AirRide’s new stop would be at the south end of the Ground Transportation Center.
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> Dress for the weather. Our new location is about 100 feet from the nearest door of the Ground Transportation Center, and cannot be seen from the small waiting area inside (there are several designated spots for rental car shuttle buses in between). Further, our spot is exposed to the elements on one side, so warm clothing and raingear will come in handy while waiting there in bad weather.
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>  
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> Keep calm and carry on. DTW’s plan requires us to share three spaces in the Ground Transportation Center with numerous public transit and charter buses. If those three spaces are occupied when our motorcoach arrives, DTW won’t allow us to load/unload passengers. Instead, we’d be required to circle the terminal until a space opens up. We’ll do our utmost to maintain our track record of 98% on-time reliability. But it’s wise to allow ample time between your airline flight and motorcoach ride, just in case.
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> Caution when getting on or off. Two of the three shared spaces DTW has assigned us are next to the curb at the Ground Transportation Center. The third space is in the roadway next to the others. If our motorcoach parks in the third space when you’re riding with us, you’ll be getting on or off between buses that could potentially move without warning. Be extra cautious when making your way to or from the Ground Transportation Center.
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> Why is DTW Doing This?
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> We’re not sure. Without providing any specifics, DTW officials have cited “safety and congestion concerns” about our current location at the McNamara Terminal. However, Michigan Flyer-AirRide has an impeccable safety record at the current location, which is convenient and safe for all passengers, including the elderly and people with disabilities.
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> As for “congestion,” we stop next to International Arrivals at the McNamara Terminal 26 times a day. SMART buses stop there 18 times a day. DTW’s own employee shuttles stop there 168 times a day—and they’re not moving to the Ground Transportation Center.
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>   
> What You Can Do
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> Your opinion matters. If you’re so inclined, you can share it in one email to several key people involved in this decision: Thomas Naughton, CEO of the Wayne County Airport Authority; Michael Ford, CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority; Gordon Mackay, CEO of Michigan Flyer; Michigan Governor Rick Snyder; Senator Debbie Stabenow and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
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> Just put “DTW relocation of Michigan Flyer-AirRide” in the subject line of your email, express your thoughts, then copy and paste all of the following addresses into the "To" area and hit Send: thomas.naughton at wcaa.us; airride at theride.org; info at michiganflyer.com ; rick.snyder at michigan.gov; senator at stabenow.senate.gov; mdot-oca at Michigan.gov
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>  We need a resolution about this