Changes to OCTA's Access
The following notice is posted on the OCTA’s website:
ACCESS has been providing service that exceeds the ADA requirements. Starting July 1, 2005, OCTA will modify some of the ACCESS service policies and procedures. Some premium services will be discontinued, while remaining services will strictly conform to ADA requirements.
These changes include:
Restricting ADA-eligible trips to the ADA-required ¾-mile fixed-route corridor by time of day.
Discontinuing same-day medical back-up service.
Increasing the cost for premium door-to-door service.
Expanding the on-time window for pick-ups from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
Requiring all ADA applicants to participate in an in-person assessment as part of the eligibility process.
Exploring the use of different types of vehicles to improve cost effectiveness and efficiency.
Implementing a partially subsidized same-day taxi program for individuals with ADA eligibility.
But wait….
In 1991 the residents of Orange County passed Measure M! Among its provisions it earmarked 25% of the funds generated by the sales tax to develop a transit system and stabilize bus fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The transit system will consist of expanded intercity and commuter train service between south Orange County and Los Angeles, commuter train services between Riverside and Irvine and transitway connectors on freeways. Funding also includes $340 million to begin a state-of-the-art high capacity urban rail system in central orange County.
The way I see it Access costs $35 Million a year, the sales tax generates $155 million. Yet all the OCTA rhetoric addresses “federally mandated’ services while overlooking the voters desire to serve their fellow citizens needs.
ACCESS has been providing service that exceeds the ADA requirements. Starting July 1, 2005, OCTA will modify some of the ACCESS service policies and procedures. Some premium services will be discontinued, while remaining services will strictly conform to ADA requirements.
These changes include:
Restricting ADA-eligible trips to the ADA-required ¾-mile fixed-route corridor by time of day.
Discontinuing same-day medical back-up service.
Increasing the cost for premium door-to-door service.
Expanding the on-time window for pick-ups from 20 minutes to 30 minutes.
Requiring all ADA applicants to participate in an in-person assessment as part of the eligibility process.
Exploring the use of different types of vehicles to improve cost effectiveness and efficiency.
Implementing a partially subsidized same-day taxi program for individuals with ADA eligibility.
But wait….
In 1991 the residents of Orange County passed Measure M! Among its provisions it earmarked 25% of the funds generated by the sales tax to develop a transit system and stabilize bus fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The transit system will consist of expanded intercity and commuter train service between south Orange County and Los Angeles, commuter train services between Riverside and Irvine and transitway connectors on freeways. Funding also includes $340 million to begin a state-of-the-art high capacity urban rail system in central orange County.
The way I see it Access costs $35 Million a year, the sales tax generates $155 million. Yet all the OCTA rhetoric addresses “federally mandated’ services while overlooking the voters desire to serve their fellow citizens needs.
posted by Frank at 7:51 PM
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