DC ParaTransit Info The Wheels are broken, but it's not our chairs …

Post: Metro Pushes Big Bus Service Improvements

Buried at the bottom of the Post's article today about WMATA's changes to the bus routes is a note that WMATA is to pilot giving MetroAccess drivers cell phones to use to contact riders directly when necessary.

This move, coupled with MV Transportation's returning rider's phone numbers to the manifests a few weeks ago, is a positive step towards giving the drivers (and the riders) back some of the tools that enable the service to run more efficiently, allowing direct driver-to-rider contact to help locate them in those impossible-to-find-on-the-map places.  Read more... (273 words, estimated 1:06 mins reading time)

Post: Deadline for MetroAccess Improvement

In an article today entitled "Deadline for MetroAccess Improvement", the Washington Post has shed some more light on the reasons behind the creation of the Critical Trip Management Team. It seems that the pressure on WMATA to fix things coming from Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) has finally started to register on WMATA.

It shouldn't need pressure from a member of Congress, or a DC Councilmember, before WMATA sits up and pays attention that there are problems. The sheer number of complaints by the riders did not create this Team - pressure from lawmakers did.  Read more... (691 words, estimated 2:46 mins reading time)

Post: Apology For Transit Program’s Shortfalls

The Washington Post reported on Friday Metro Board Chairman Gladys W. Mack's public apology to MetroAccess Riders.  The Post noted that the apology came shortly after the Board heard from one MetroAccess rider, whose driver had gotten lost getting to the Board meeting to begin with.

The story highlights once more that the system seems to be too reliant on the technology, with no initiative allowed by the drivers (or the riders) when it comes to trip planning and implementation.  We do note however with anticipation the Post's reporting of comments made by the new Interim General Manager, Mr Dan Tangherlini:  Read more... (416 words, estimated 1:40 mins reading time)

Post: Study Hits Metro on Service for Disabled

The Washington Post continues to bring up MetroAccess, with a new story here entitled "Study Hits Metro on Service for Disabled". We have to agree with most of the recommendations and observations of the study, in particular the lack of communication by MetroAccess.

We note with ironic amusement the end of the article:

In response to the huge number of complaints, Metro set up a weekly telephone conference to enable riders to speak directly with MetroAccess officials.

But Metro has not publicized the telephone number because managers are worried that the phone system would be overwhelmed, Metro spokeswoman Candace Smith said.  Read more... (139 words, estimated 33 secs reading time)

Post: Grievances Spike After MetroAccess Transition

The Post has sallied forth on MetroAccess again today, at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/12/AR2006021201185.html. The article makes an interesting point, that there's been over 2,400 complaints registered about MetroAccess so far since MV took over the contract.

Given the doubts we've raised about WMATA's method of tabulating the number of complaints received recently, we wonder how reliable this figure is.

On the subject of which though, we have a question for the Washington Post itself. The article states:

But some riders said in interviews that they have been unable to log complaints and don't trust MV's statistics.  Read more... (349 words, estimated 1:24 mins reading time)

Snow News: MetroAccess Service Suspended

WMATA has announced that due to the snow, MetroAccess service has been suspended.  Candace Smith, a Public Affairs Officer for WMATA, said on Channel 9 WUSA TV this morning that this affects around 1,800 riders today.

This was confirmed on WMATA's web site:

MetroAccess service has been suspended for Sunday due to hazardous road conditions, cold temperatures, and snow accumulation in excess of 8 inches. Our call center remains open for reservations and general questions. MetroAccess customers should call (301) 562-5360 for more information.  Read more... (118 words, estimated 28 secs reading time)

Post Editorial 2/10/06

The editorial in the Post today at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/09/AR2006020901920.html is, as far as we know, the first media shot across the bows of MetroAccess.

The question still remains - why is any of this even necessary?

We have two professional transportation companies, who have many years of experience in moving people relatively seamlessly from point A to point B, who seem to be completely helpless to do so when it comes to a thousand people a day.

The editorial notes quite accurately that

Running this kind of program properly is neither easy nor inexpensive, but fixing phones, providing directions for drivers and improving pickup policies is elementary management.  Read more... (364 words, estimated 1:27 mins reading time)

MetroAccess In The News

At this rate MetroAccess is going to end up being a regular fixture in the Washington Post, with yet another story appearing today - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/05/AR2006020501111.html A MetroAccess Rider Is Left at the Curb (although such stories weren't exactly that uncommon when Logisticare had the contract).

How long are WMATA and MV Transportation going to continue to claim that this is all the fault of Logisticare, the software, the drivers, and even the riders?  At what point are they going to go "Hey, we screwed up, how do we make this right?"  Read more... (250 words, estimated 1:00 mins reading time)