United Spinal Association opposes last week’s federal court ruling that permits the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to cut its Able-Ride bus service in Nassau County by $1.2-million, terminating door-to-door service for many residents with disabilities who are unable to use fixed route bus service for some or all of their trips.

According to transit officials, Able-Ride cuts are necessary in order to balance the MTA’s budget, and are part of cuts taking place throughout the entire system due to the fiscal crisis. It’s clear to us, however, that robbing many people with disabilities living in Nassau County of their freedom and independence, should not be the first solution.

“United Spinal Association has been working with county legislators, the county executive and the community to present options that would help make Able-Ride more efficient and less costly. Unfortunately, MTA and the county seem not to consider cuts to Able-Ride an important enough priority. With a little creativity, the county could realize $1.2M in revenue and other savings. If we can’t get the right people working with each other shortly, there will be thousands of stranded seniors and people with disabilities in Nassau County. I would encourage them to take their ire to the polls, but they won’t be able to get there either,” said Paul J. Tobin, President and CEO of United Spinal Association.

The cuts will essentially eliminate service to geographic areas not required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to be covered, such as areas that do not have a fixed-route bus service. This includes certain areas in Bayville, Syosset, Westbury, Hicksville, Old Bethpage, Plainview, Glen Cove, and Oyster Bay. In 2009, approximately 9% of all Able-Ride trips (32,000 trips) were classified as non-ADA.

Jim Weisman, United Spinal’s General Counsel, believes the cuts to Able-Ride will be detrimental, leading to many people with disabilities losing their jobs and spending less money since they no longer have a means of traveling to their favorite stores. “The cost is staggering. [People with disabilities in Nassau County] will have to depend not only on their family and friends, but on us taxpayers,” Weisman said in a recent Newsday article. “The department of social services must be cringing.”

Many from the disability community, including Nassau County elected officials, residents and advocates, recently gathered at Nassau University Medical Center to express their concern with the cuts and presented alternatives that would not only raise revenue and save money, but also save the Able-Ride program and many riders’ independence.

Weisman, who was in attendance representing United Spinal, mentioned the idea of putting ads on buses to raise revenue. “This was suggested years ago, but it was never approved­­––even though the MTA said it was a good idea,” he explained.

Others suggested contracting less-expensive private taxi companies.

MTA, however, contends that it will offer a “feeder” service to riders impacted by the cuts that will provide transportation to a fixed-route bus line. The catch is this feeder service will only operate within three-quarters of a mile from each line. This just isn’t good enough!

Tom Scott
Editor
Marketing & Communications
United Spinal Association
tscott@unitedspinal.org