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

Mon Apr 18 22:30:24 UTC 2016

It looks from the news bulletin below that we did not win in court despite what some have reported. 

Dave
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Michigan Flyer 
To: Dave Robinson 
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2016 5:09 PM
Subject: ALERT: Route & Schedule Changes Due to Detroit Airport Regulations

Trouble viewing this email? Read it online 

                        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.

                        Changes Due to Delays Caused by WCAA Regulations
                          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.
                          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.

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

                        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.  

                        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.

                        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”:

                        What Else You need to Know
                          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.
                          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.
                          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).
                          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 of all.

            Why Drive?

            Booking is easy, click here to view schedules on

                  Michigan Flyer
                  333 Albert Street - Suite 205 | East Lansing, MI 48823
                  www.michiganflyer.com  

                        follow us on Facebook and Twitter

You are subscribed to this mailing list as drob1946 at gmail.com. Please click here to modify your message preferences or to unsubscribe from any future mailings. We will respect all unsubscribe requests.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------