Getting Somewhere?
Well, I’m not sure exactly how to respond to your recent articles on public transit accessibility (July 2007), other than to say, you are referencing only the most advanced and progressive regions while ignoring the bulk of the United States, which appears to be ignoring the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I lived in Miami for the first 7 years after my diagnosis with MS, which has left me in a power wheelchair. The bus and paratransit system in Miami is far less reliable than what you’ve described in New York. I typically rode the buses and at least once a week, I’d be left on the side of the road by a bus whose ramp didn’t work. The paratransit was always late, if they showed up at all. On the positive side, Los Angeles should win an award for the reliability and dedication of their paratransit and fixed route services, which I had the pleasure of using for a week in 2005.
In Jackson, Mississippi, (the state capital) where I moved last fall to be closer to family help, I’ve been deeply frustrated by buses that are inaccessible (broken lifts) for months on end (I know, because I continuously “test” the system). They have no ADA coordinator, and apparently no intention of fixing the lifts.
I’ve made it my “mission” to pursue this on behalf of the many others I know in similar situations here in Jackson. The paratransit system here is “booked” a week in advance. I asked for a ride to the hospital in May during an MS relapse, and was told, “Call 911, we’re busy.” Eventually, a neighbor came by and took me to the hospital (I refuse to waste 911 unless I’m literally dying; besides I can’t afford a $400 ambulance bill).
Just as an FYI, I’ve written City Hall, confronted the Mayor and City Council on the record during a City Council meeting, informed the press, and sent 4 letters to the Department of Transportation Office of Civil Rights. If that doesn’t solve the problem, then, well, there’s nothing more I can think of-any suggestions?
Scott M. Crawford, PhD, Jackson, Mississippi
Editor’s Note: How is your local transit accessibility? Do you use paratransit? Are buses accessible? Are your local transit authorities responsive to people with disabilities? Please write to us (300 words or less, please) and let us know. Send e-mail to action@unitedspinal.org, or write to Action, United Spinal Association, 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Jackson Heights, New York 11370-1177. Letters may be edited for grammar and length.
