[NFBMI-Talk] Submitted Public Comment for Proposed Detroit Airport Express Service

[Jason Meddaugh]

The following was submitted as public comment to the Regional Transit
Authority of Southeast Michigan regarding our support of public transit
initiatives such as the proposed airport express service.

January 17, 2024

The National Federation of the Blind of Michigan gives our full support to
the proposed direct bus service between downtown Detroit and Detroit Metro
Airport. As the largest consumer organization of blind people in the State
of Michigan, we recognize the importance of exemplary public transit,
providing a vital link to residents and travelers who are unable to drive.
We hope this pilot service leads to an increased investment in public
transit throughout the region, and can serve as a model for additional
express services to the airport and other destinations in the future.

The location for the downtown Detroit stop should be one that provides easy
access to transfer to other modes of transportation, including existing
FAST service, the People Mover, local DDOT service and rideshare. It should
also be easily accessible to pedestrians. We would recommend considering
stopping at both proposed downtown locations to provide greater
connectivity to the existing and future planned network, especially if both
stops can be made without adding considerable time to the route.

We also encourage the RTA to work with the Wayne County Airport Authority
to promote this new service as a viable and convenient option for
travelers. This could include increased signage and better promotion of
transit options on the airport's website.

In order to ensure equitable access for blind customers, we wish to
emphasize that any website, app, or tool which provides for the purchasing
of tickets, checking schedules, or obtaining current status information
must also be accessible using a screen reader, magnification, and other
assistive technology tools. This includes any electronic displays of
real-time status information. Providing equal access is both a requirement
under the Americans with Disabilities Act and also allows blind users to be
more independent when traveling.

We are encouraged by recent improvements in regional transit including D2A2
and this proposed airport express service, and hope this can serve as a
catalyst for further improvements in the near future. The National
Federation of the Blind of Michigan supports this momentum, and is willing
to provide resources and assist as necessary to achieve these goals.

Cordially,
Jason Meddaugh
First Vice President and Legislative Committee Chair
National Federation of the Blind of Michigan