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- From: "Eugene Bradley" <http://profiles.yahoo.com/eegenebradley>
- Date: Mon, 04 May 2009 18:28:37 -0000
Dirt is here: http://vtawatch.blogspot.com/2009/04/attack-on-paratransit.html VTA proposes the base fare to be $2.00 from $1.75. A full table of fare increase proposal - and additional budget analysis - is at http://vtawatch.blogspot.com/2009/04/vta-budget-highlights.html Some details on VTA's proposed paratransit service changes: http://vtawatch.blogspot.com/2009/04/attack-on-paratransit.html Out of service area - The minimum requirement for VTA to provide paratransit service is 3/4 mile from a bus or light rail line. Because of various service reductions implemented years ago, VTA continues to operate paratransit service beyond the 3/4 mile from existing transit by charging $7 per such trip. Riders in the south county do not have to pay the surcharge. If VTA were to eliminate this service, many paratransit riders would effectively lose their transportation with no fault of their own. In its letter to paratransit riders, VTA says that these riders will still be eligible for paratransit, but could only ride it if the riders can come within 3/4 mile of whatever VTA provides. This is insulting because if these riders could independently travel to within 3/4 mile of VTA lines, they perhaps won't need paratransit at all. Extended service hours - Current paratransit hours are from 5am to 2am, everyday, with 24 hour availability along line 22 (which runs 24 hours) and light rail. VTA is proposing to reduce paratransit availability to 3/4 miles of a transit line ONLY on the days and hours when that line is in operation. Reservation changes - For now riders can book trips as short as one day in advance and as long as 14 days. VTA plans to shorten the period from 14 days to 7 days, and then from 7 days to 3 days. With shortening of the reservation period, VTA would also introduce an automated phone reservation system. Such changes would create barriers to those who have difficulty in using phones, as well as those relying on others to help them place reservations. Altogether, the proposed cuts for paratransit are much steeper than what is proposed for bus and light rail. It is unconscionable for VTA to pursue new funding (like HOT funding through AB744) for other things while cutting services needed by the disabled community. Seniors and disabled riders should not have to pay for VTA's incompetence and lack of leadership. Starting this afternoon, VTA will have public meetings on the budget proposal: Monday, May 4, 2009 3:00-5:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm Santa Clara County Government Center-Isaac Newton Room Tuesday, May 5, 2009 6:00-8:00 pm Morgan Hill-Community & Cultural Center Wednesday May 6, 2009 6:00-8:00 pm Milpitas-Milpitas Public Library Monday, May 11, 2009 6:00-8:00 pm Mountain View-Council Chambers Tuesday, May 12, 2009 6:00-8:00 pm Cupertino-Quinlan Community Center I'll be at this evening's meeting in where-I-live. Get there on the VTA's 61, 62, 66, 180, and 181 express bus lines. The Government Center is also next to Civic Center light rail station. Eugene Bradley Founder, Santa Clara VTA Riders Union http://www.vtaridersunion.org/ Yahoo!/AOL IM: eegenebradley
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