[nfbmi-talk] {Disarmed} Fwd: ALERT: Route & Schedule Changes Due to Detroit Airport Regulations

J.J. Meddaugh jj at bestmidi.com
Mon Apr 18 21:44:43 UTC 2016 

FYI,
The remaining stop in Ann Arbor is the most convenient for public 
transit users.



-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: 	ALERT: Route & Schedule Changes Due to Detroit Airport 
Regulations
Date: 	Mon, 18 Apr 2016 17:09:37 -0400
From: 	Michigan Flyer <sales at michiganflyer.com>
Reply-To: 	Michigan Flyer <reply_cfqcds_cduldil at cp20.com>
To: 	jj at bestmidi.com



      Â



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ALERT: Route & Schedule Changes Due to Detroit Airport Regulations
On April 4, 2016, the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) imposed new 
ground transportation regulations impacting our operations at Detroit 
Metro Airport (DTW). This caused delays on many Michigan Flyer-AirRide 
runs to and from the airport, making it impossible—without changing 
our route and schedule—to maintain the high level of on-time 
service you’ve come to expect.

Specifically, WCAA’s regulations require us to make additional stops 
closer to both terminals for “passengers with a disability or anyone 
needing extra time or assistance,” along with their travel companions 
and caregivers, but to also keep using our “standard location” at 
each terminal for other passengers.

The airport has refused our request—and that of many representatives 
of the disability community—to simply pick up and drop off /*all 
passengers*/ at one integrated and accessible stop per terminal, as 
existed for years before. While it seems obvious to us the airport is 
trying to degrade public transportation, we must comply with these new 
rules even as we continue to challenge them in federal court.


kensington-court_captioned.jpg

Changes Due to Delays Caused by WCAA Regulations
MichiganFlyer_Bullet.png Effective May 19, 2016, Michigan Flyer-AirRide 
service at Ann Arbor’s Kensington Court Hotel will be discontinued. 
Therefore, we have suspended the sale of all tickets for travel to or 
from the hotel on or after May 19th. We will resume service at 
Kensington Court only if we are able to resolve the delays at DTW.
MichiganFlyer_Bullet.png  On May 19, 2016, each of our motorcoaches 
will begin stopping only once in Ann Arbor—at the Blake Transportation 
Center downtown. This will enable us to maintain our current operating 
times between East Lansing, Ann Arbor and DTW. Parking is available. 
<http://trk.cp20.com/click?alcyh-1tp4pc-6tm45m4>

A revised schedule reflecting these changes will soon be posted on our 
website.


Disability-only-sign_captioned.jpg

Who Can Use the New Locations Closer to the Terminals?
This question confuses us, as well as our passengers. On one hand, a 
federal judge recently ruled that, “The choice of stop belongs solely 
to the passenger … Anyone can get on and off at the new stops.” 
However, that decision is currently in litigation, and the airport has 
threatened us with criminal prosecution if we drop all passengers off at 
the new, closer stops. Â

WCAA regulations state that the new stops may be used only “upon 
request” by “passengers with a disability or anyone needing extra 
time or assistance,” while others must be picked up and dropped off at 
our “standard locations.”

Unfortunately, at this time it’s unclear how you can avoid disclosing 
that you have a disability or medical condition requiring an 
accommodation, and yet still receive accessible service at the airport, 
which is your right under federal law.


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How to Request Use of a Bus Stop Close to the Terminal
What is clear from WCAA regs is that buses and shuttles at the airport 
must accommodate you if you request to be dropped off or picked up at 
one of the new stops closer the terminal. No one is permitted to ask 
about your reason for requesting the closer location, since that would 
be illegal.

Until this matter is sorted out in court, it’s best to submit your 
request to use a closer bus stop at the time you buy your ticket online. 
*On the Passenger Information page where you enter your name, just 
write “Drop off/pick up close to terminal” in the Special Assistance 
box.* This is especially important if you are flying Delta, Air France, 
or Virgin Airlines and expect to be picked up at Door 402 of the indoor 
waiting area of the McNamara Terminal’s Ground Transportation Center 
(GTC).

*Alternatively, you can make your request when you call or visit our 
office, or by telling either your driver or one of our customer service 
representatives at the airport.*


New Disability Stops at McNamara Terminal
Our existing stop at the McNamara Terminal for both pickups and 
drop-offs is at the south end of the GTC parking garage. These photos 
show the new “disability stops”:

McNamara_Drop-offs.jpg

McNamara_Pickups.jpg

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What Else You need to Know
MichiganFlyer_Bullet.png *Whether or not it is legal for Detroit’s 
airport* to establish separate bus stops for people with disabilities 
will eventually be decided in federal court. As far as we know, no other 
publicly funded airport, train or bus terminal in the U.S. operates this 
way.
MichiganFlyer_Bullet.png *We deeply appreciate your patience*—and 
apologize for any inconvenience, particularly the suspension of Ann 
Arbor Kensington Court service—as we adjust our procedures to try and 
comply with WCAA regulations, yet still provide service second to none.
MichiganFlyer_Bullet.png *Reserve your Michigan Flyer-AirRide seats 
early* if you plan to travel with us during these peak periods: The last 
weekend of April and first weekend of May (University of Michigan and 
Michigan State University breaks).
MichiganFlyer_Bullet.png *You’re helping to protect Mother Earth* 
every time you ride with us. Compared with planes, trains and 
automobiles, Michigan Flyer-AirRide motorcoaches are the greenest travel 
option <http://trk.cp20.com/click?alcyh-1tp4pd-6tm45m5> of all.


Why Drive?

Booking is easy, click here 
<http://trk.cp20.com/click?alcyh-1tp4pe-6tm45m6> to view schedules on
MichiganFlyer_FooterLogo.png

Michigan Flyer
333 Albert Street - Suite 205 | East Lansing, MI 48823
www.michiganflyer.com <http://trk.cp20.com/click?alcyh-1tp4pf-6tm45m7>

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