[Ohio-talk] Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA)

Sun Nov 24 23:40:39 UTC 2013

Wanda, Richard, and All,

Burr, it is cold in Cleveland! Hope everyone is staying warm!
I agree with you too, however allow me to apoligize for using the word
"spoiled." A better word choice is "grateful!" I am sorry and please
forgive me.
While we are in this season for giving thanks, it occured to me that I
am very grateful for the paratransit service provided by TheRegional
Transit Authority of Greater Cleveland. Without the service I would be
severely llimitted. Because someone went before me and fought for
equal access, the service is available to me. It is now my
responsibility to continue to insure the service maintains high
standards, provides quality services, and allows fair treatment to
all. With that being said, no system is perfect, nor are we perfect
riders. When dealing with these issues we must keep in mind that
nothing happens over night and we share responsibility to follow the
policies and practices of the companies. For example, Richard, your
victory in Dayton was almost a loss for us in Cleveland. The drivers
had our telephone numbers years ago, but there was abuse of this
curtesey, drivers and customers alike. The decision was made not to
have this information available to drivers, this posed another problem
for everyone, so the conclusion is that the drivers may choose to call
dispatch to notify the rider, or they don't have to. If the driver
chooses to make the call, dispatch will call the rider, this can take
a lot of time and causes others to wait, risk being late, or just
annoyed. This is  the best comprimise available to us. Since that time
many riders are using cell phones and dispatch may not be aware of
this and call the persons home number, recieve no response and advise
the driver to move on, resulting with having the rider written down as
a no show. When this occurs 6 times the rider will recieve a letter
stating that continuing to provide service may be in jeopardy, which
causes even more anxiety and sometimes confusion
I could continue with esamples, but what I am trying to say is that in
Cleveland  it's going to be about reasonable comprimises. Years ago we
had a great advocate for the blind community on the citzens council of
RTA, he does not have this position any longer. This has caused some
problems because we always had him to fix our problems, he would go
the extra mile for us, push our applications through by walking them
into the office, call to have those that were suspended reinstated,
and making sure that special notes were added to our profiles if
necessary, he would tell us when we were wrong or becoming petty too.
Those days are gone and with the usage of contract companies problems
and concerns occur more often with no advocate for us. For those of us
living in the greater Cleveland area, contract drivers probably
account for most concerns. RTAwants to provide quality service, they
have awards to prove it and I believe they will step up to the plate
when it is contract time for some of these companies, require training
or not renew the contracts,let's keep hope alive!  NFB should work
toward having representation on the citizens council with the passion
for quality transportation, willing to learn correct policy and
procedures for RTA, comprehend what the ADA requires, available for
meetings, available to riders, and understanding that he/she may be in
the position of laying responsibility, blame where it should be with
grace. This is our responsibility! We should have those persons in
place at every level to assist us when the larger transportation
issues rise, budget cuts and more. No one is always wrong and no one
is always right.
Because we are carrying the torch now we should continue to search our
membership for the young that may show an interest in this and other
issues, because their day is approaching and is our responsibility to
teach them. That is another point of graditute for me, knowing that
there is another generation of federationist on the horizon with
passion, this is great, and we should allow them to learn beside us.
Talk to you soon!

Blessings,
Cheryl

On 11/23/13, Wanda Sloan <wsloan118 at roadrunner.com> wrote:
> You are absolutely correct.  I am the designated person for M. /V. Chapter
> in Dayton.  This system in my town is run a bit differently but the same
> problems can  and do exist.
> Wan
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ohio-talk [mailto:ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Cheryl
> Fields
> Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2013 6:40 PM
> To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List
> Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA)
>
> Richard,
> Thank you for correcting me. The word spoiled was a bad choice, forgive me.
> Since we are in this season of Thanksgiving, I will use the wordd grateful!
> I have my problems and situations with paratransit, however 98% of the time
> the service works for my purposes. The other 2% of the time may create a
> disaster. This is still public transportation, when I used the main service
> the chances of mishaps was probably 10%, so I am still grateful. Until
> about
> 5 years ago, we had a strong advocate for the blind paratransit users in
> cleveland, he no longer does this job for us. as a result of his departure
> and and increased ridership, problems have risen.
> One of the main issues is that RTA has taken outside contracts with other
> providers, these drivers are not well trained and some don't care to have
> training. This is not a requirement for the companies they work for. RTA
> has
> not provided complete information to the providers, wheelchair, cane, guide
> dog  handler, walker, scooter and other important information drivers
> should
> know if he/she is to provide quality service to it's customers, something
> as
> simple as a map would be useful. Quite a few of these issues can result in
> confrontations, hurt feelings, missed appointments and injury. RTA has been
> awarded several awards recently and values it's reputation, and for that I
> grateful, and I also suspect this is why they requested this meeting with
> Suzanne. because I am confident once the meeting is over some suggestions
> for solutions will be exchanged and put into place. There is very little
> they can do about contracts that are in place, but when the next contract
> time comes about we should see the result. RTA does not automatically renew
> provider contracts, there is a process, and  they have discarded poor
> contractors in the past.
> Changes and improvements for RTA drivers, schedulers, and dispatch should
> show results quickly, this is my expectation.
> If every driver adhered to the policies and practices of the transportation
> board, and the company, many things would change and we may really not like
> that. However this is only my opinion. In my experience it is easier to
> live
> peaceably with others because no one is always wrong and no one is always
> right, comprimise is what will ultimately happen, it should be something
> reasonable, but always moving toward excellence.
> In the past our drivers had our telephone numbers, this was great.
> However, again, this was abused at both ends and now the drivers must call
> dispatch and dispatch will contact the customer at the number listed with
> your account. If we are using cell phones, we should take the time to
> update
> this information with the company. something this simple could avoid mix
> ups.
>
> Every NFB chapter should have representation on the citzens council of
> their
> local paratransit board, and we should have a voice at the state level, so
> on and so on, again just my opinion. Just like the transportation issue
> with
> the airlines, we should work together, strenth in numbers, the squeeky
> wheel
> gets the oil. This is another way to identify our leaders, there some among
> us that feel passionately about this subject and may work tirelessly on
> transportation producing amazing results!
> finally, all of you know I am long winded, LOL, I greatly appreciate those
> that have gone before, put the work in, lead the charge for The americans
> with disabilities Act, for that I am grateful! It is left to us that
> remember when there was no paratransit to educate, lead, and know when to
> hang back and be that support the next generation needs, this is our
> responsibility as federationist. someone did it for us.
> Have a Happy Thanksgiving, don't eat too much!
>
> blessings,
>
> cheryl
>
> On 11/20/13, Richard Payne <rchpay7 at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>> I must jump in here. Yes the services that we enjoy are great but
>> spoiled may be reaching out just a little far. The service comes at a
>> large price most rides cost around 30.00 dollars for the city/state
>> and federal tax payers to provide. I am a person that enjoys  the
>> project mobility in Dayton. You can rest assure that the staff is very
>> aware  of  my name. You may remember that on this very list one of our
>> members  spoke about the problems they had with vans showing up and
> leaving without trying to call.
>> Dayton has just decided to request a cell phone number to call. We
>> deal with things sometimes because in many cases we are bound by the
>> very services that should allow us the chance to enjoy several things
>> that many others have the advantage of. Some people say that the par
>> transit makes you less independent but that may be just another view.
>> We must remained educated about the transportation laws require those
>> who provide services to be trained well. We can change things and
>> will. Richard
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Ohio-talk [mailto:ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
>> Cheryl Fields
>> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 2:40 PM
>> To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List
>> Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
>> (RTA)
>>
>> While talking with one of the RTA drivers on yesterday, I discovered
>> that the drivers are trained to use sighted guide, they are blind
>> folded and led onto the bus and seated, placed into a wheelchair and
>> placed onto the lift, and strapped in, for the experience. However,
>> the contract drivers are not trained at all for this, and sometimes
>> have no idea what's going on. While our service is good and we are
>> spoiled this should be investigated some more.
>> Cheryl
>>
>> On 11/18/13, Wanda Sloan <wsloan118 at roadrunner.com> wrote:
>>> This is good.  Dayton has a good system but you have to work with them.
>>> From the way some level of expectations are with some of our
>>> Daytonians, perhaps they need to relocate to Cleveland so they can be
>>> spoiled a bit more than they do in Dayton.  (Smile)
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Ohio-talk [mailto:ohio-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
>>> Cheryl Fields
>>> Sent: Saturday, November 16, 2013 7:47 PM
>>> To: NFB of Ohio Announcement and Discussion List
>>> Subject: Re: [Ohio-talk] Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
>>> (RTA)
>>>
>>> Suzanne,
>>> I am sure your meeting will go smoothly. I have very few complaints,
>>> no system is perfect, and we are blessed in Cleveland to have one of
>>> the best paratransit systems in the country. However I do realize
>>> that when it goes bad it is really bad for us, been there too. My
>>> best friend lives in Columbia, south carolina and what they call
>>> paratransit is a joke! I was told that Detroit and Washington DC have
>>> corner to corner service. I have used Mainstream in columbus and
>>> there is no comparison to our service. Once when using mainstream I
>>> was left at my location, after I called and was told that they would
>>> try to find me a ride, I called someone to pick me up and made it to
>>> my Mother's house, 3 hours later Mainstream called to say they were
>>> sending a bus to pick me up. Another time I was asked off of the bus
>>> for not having the correct change, smiles, I am notorious for this
>>> andthe drivers are used to me doing this, yes I need to stop, it is a
>>> minor problem in Cleveland we always work it out, however in columbus
>>> it was a unforgivable sin and the driver escorted me off of the
>>> vehicle, walk of shame. Oh well, I will still use the service because
>>> it is all they have and when I need it it is there, sooner or later.
>>> smiles This is why I love our service and appreciate it, there's no
>>> place like home. Our RTA drivers are like family to me and it is the
>>> contract drivers I have the most issues with. The regular RTA drivers
>>> go above and beyond the call of duty, carrying heavy packages,
>>> allowing us to bring more than 3 shopping bags onto the bus, stopping
>>> to allow folks to use the rest room, waiting more than 5 mins., when
>>> we are fully aware of when the bus will arrive, waiting for those
>>> that are on dialysis so they won't have to wait on another bus,
>>> making sure I have on my boots after one of those freaky snow storms.
>>> Once a driver smelled gas in my building and saved all of our lives,
>>> thank god for her! Allowing some of us to travel with baby seats and
>>> another person without notifying scheduleing, dropping folks off at
>>> other destinations they did not schedule for, taking diabetics to the
>>> fast food drive through line to get food so they won't go into a
>>> coma, passengers knowingly riding on expired bus passes, hanging up
>>> on certain schedulers because you would rather talk with someone
>>> else, talking to drivers like they are your personal chauffaur,
>>> providing us with those miracle rides when we call at 3 o'clock pm
>>> the day before we need to be somewhere at 9 o'clock the next morning,
>>> the list goes on and on. I have wittnessed enough abuse on our part,
>>> the blind, to know how the majority of drivers, schedulers, and
>>> dispatch make allowances for us going above and beyond the call of
>>> duty. While RTA continues to provide quality service for us, we
>>> should work together with
>> them toward improvements, making a good thing become even better!
>>>  So, these are my concerns:
>>>
>>> 1. Training, the contract drivers should have training with sighted
>>> guide, pushing and pulling will result in a accident one day and
>>> creates a hostile atmosphere. I have tried to use humor to make them
>>> listen, but it rarely works andwhen I become serious and firm they
>>> become
>> offended.
>>> Politeness will go a long way, some of the contract drivers ar rude.
>>> My building can be difficult to locate, these drivers will not
>>> llisten and want to tell me where I live. Just last night I gave the
>>> driver instructions and he decided I did not know what I was talking
>>> about, so he finally asked me and I told him again and he says, that
>>> does not seem right, and I remained silent. He found it but was
>>> surprised that it was where I said it was. Once I rode on the bus in
>>> circles because the driver would not listen, he then accused me of
>>> causing him to be late for his next pick up, well you know what I
>>> said to that! Some vehicles are equiped with gps and others are not,
>>> maybe this could be uniform, the contract drivers are often unable to
>>> take the proper routes to destinations, spending long periods of time
>>> trying to figure it out. Some of this may be personality, don't know.
>>>
>>> 2. Scheduling, this year the process is really bad. There has been a
>>> increase in ridership, however some simple things can be emplemented
>>> to accomadate this increase. Stop having 3 buses pick up 3 people
>>> going to the same destination that live in the same neighborhood,
>>> this is so wasteful and time consuming for others that are waiting
>>> for rides. Having someone that lives west, board a bus full of east
>>> siders, ride all over the east side before taking them home. This
>>> seems to be the new normal, drivers are frustrated with this and we
>>> are too.
>>>
>>> 3. Vehicles, it would be beneficial for RTA to become pro-active with
>>> contract companies when choosing vehicles. Some of the vans are
>>> dangerous and awkward to navagate. Knowing how to exit the van is
>>> important to me and some drivers will not show you where the door
>>> handleand locks are, they feel like you don't need to know, however
>>> some of us have other issues they are not aware of. When it is time
>>> for RTA to purchase new vehicles, maybe they can look at the ones
>>> with the lower bottom step, curb height, it would be a lot easier to
>>> board and exit the vehicle.
>>>
>>> 4. Is RTA considering a new fare system, cards similar to laundry
>>> cards that are used in apartment buildings. This is expensive, but
>>> would be really convenient, especially if it was part of our
>>> identification card.The driver could verify id  and collect the fare
>>> with one swipe.
>>>
>>> Finally, nfb should have representation on the Citizens Council, this
>>> would provide us a constant voice, and maybe we could hold a town
>>> hall meeting for paratransit riders. I have attended other RTA town
>>> hall meetings and paratransit riders rarely show up in numbers, so we
>>> are rarely heard.
>>>
>>> I know this is long, but you know me, smiles, that's all folks!
>>> Make this a great day, be good to yourself and a blessing to others!
>>> Cheryl Fields
>>>
>>> On 11/15/13, Suzanne Turner <sturner at clevelandsightcenter.org> wrote:
>>>> Good Afternoon,
>>>>
>>>> I wanted to inform you all that I have a meeting scheduled with Joe
>>>> Calabrese who is the CEO and General Manager of RTA and the Deputy
>>>> General manager of Operations, Mike York along with  Oliver Draper
>>>> who is the Manager of para-Transit in Cuyahoga County about the
>>>> issues regarding services.
>>>>
>>>> I am requesting all to email me any issues that you would like for
>>>> me to discuss. I have many concerns and I am sure you do as well.
>>>>
>>>> My meeting is December 2, 2013 at 8:30 AM.
>>>>
>>>> Although you may not reside locally, I am sure some issues are
>>>> universal in your immediate area.  I will do my best to advocate in
>>>> your
>>> behalf as well.
>>>> I will bring the issues to their attention and let them know that
>>>> this is State wide.  Therefore, during the many State wide
>>>> transportation meetings, they would have heard these issues along
>>>> the
>> way.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks!
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Suzanne Turner, BSW, MPA
>>>> Employment Coordinator and Benefit Specialist
>>>>
>>>> Cleveland Sight Center
>>>> 216-791-8118 (main)
>>>> 216-658-7350 (direct)
>>>> 216-791-1101 (fax)
>>>> sturner at ClevelandSightCenter.org
>>>> <mailto:sturner at ClevelandSightCenter.org>
>>>>
>>>> 1909 East 101st Street
>>>> P.O. Box 1988
>>>> Cleveland, Ohio  44106-0188
>>>>
>>>> Our Empowerment Park construction is complete! The ribbon was cut on
>>>> October 17th and we have been awarded the UCI "Building the Circle"
>>>> award. Come view the video here<http://youtu.be/OrJZzUfA_tc>.
>>>>
>>>> Our Mission: To empower people with vision loss to realize their
>>>> full potential, and to shape the community's vision of that potential.
>>>>
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>>>
>>> --
>>> Peace
>>>
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>> --
>> Peace
>>
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>
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> Peace
>
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-- 
Peace