DC ParaTransit Info

Given the complexity and size of MetroAccess operations, the integrity of the databases that “power” it on a day to day basis is a critical issue.

We already witnessed the kind of chaos corrupted data can cause to the system - when MV Transit was importing data from the previous contractors, Logisticare, prior to taking over the contract, DC ParaTransit Info was sounding loud warnings to WMATA that there were major omissions and discrepancies in the database information being transferred. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded, but the flawed database migration was noted as one of the reasons for the abysmal transition period that gained such negative attention at the beginning of MV’s term.

Posted: 1 year, 1 month ago | No Comments
Categories: MetroAccess , WMATA | Tags: MetroAccess, WMATA | By: Kathi.    Print This Post

WMATA Office of ADA Programs Press Release:

MetroAccess Set to Begin Door-to-Door Service on June 30, 2008

Starting on Monday, June 30, MetroAccess will begin providing door-to-door service. Under the new initiative, drivers will meet customers at the first exterior door of a building and escort them to the vehicle.

Metro’s Department of Access Services wants to make it easy for MetroAccess customers to learn more about door-to-door service. MetroAccess will host three Public Information Sessions to discuss the implementation of door-to-door service. Customers who attend will hear complete details about the new service and have a chance to ask questions. Please plan to attend one of the following sessions:

Posted: 1 year, 9 months ago | [2] Comments
Categories: MetroAccess , WMATA | Tags: door-to-door, MetroAccess, WMATA | By: miika.    Print This Post

The Washington Post’s Lena Sun has an article in today’s issue regarding the mess that is MetroAccess’ certification process:

Nadia Ibrahim, a policy adviser for the Labor Department, gets to work from her Rockville home by taking MetroAccess, a paratransit service operated by Metro. Ibrahim, who has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair and a service dog.

Her disability is permanent.

But every three years, she must go through a time-consuming process that will cost Metro more than $1 million this year to prove a basic fact of life for her and thousands of other riders: Her disability makes it difficult for her to ride Metrorail or Metrobus and therefore qualifies her for curb-to-curb MetroAccess service.

Posted: 1 year, 9 months ago | No Comments
Categories: In The Media , MetroAccess | Tags: Lena Sun, MetroAccess, Recertification, WMATA | By: miika.    Print This Post

Lena Sun of the Washington Post writes that the Metro Board has approved a plan to spend up to $1 million hiring “professional” mystery riders, who will go out and assess MetroRail and MetroBus services.

This isn’t a new idea.  As the Post notes, it’s been done before, albeit using trained volunteers - and is something we at DC ParaTransit Info has mentioned before.

Done properly, it can produce relatively unbiased metrics about the service, as opposed to the idea of using customer feedback.  Customer feedback tends to only concentrate on negatives - how many people actually take the time to call or write to WMATA to tell them they’re doing a good job?

Posted: 1 year, 10 months ago | 1 Comment
Categories: In The Media , MetroAccess , MetroBus , MetroRail , WMATA | Tags: Lena Sun, MetroAccess, MetroBus, MetroRail, mystery rider, paratransit, Washington Post, WMATA | By: Kathi.    Print This Post

Updated 4-16-2008 @ 8:26am

WMATA is geared up for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to DC this week, with fixed-route service changes to cope with the expected crowds. This includes running rush-hour scheduling from 5am to 7pm on both Wednesday April 16th and Thursday April 17th.

Several fixed routes will be affected by rolling road closures over the course of the visit. The WMATA web site estimates that up to 16 fixed route bus services may be affected. MetroRail especially is likely to become very crowded, with large numbers of people from outside the area riding the system over the course of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Posted: 1 year, 10 months ago | No Comments
Categories: Events , MetroAccess , MetroBus , MetroRail , WMATA | Tags: MetroAccess, MetroBus, MetroRail, Nationals Park, Papal Visit, Pope Benedict, WMATA | By: Kathi.    Print This Post

Back in November of 2006, DC Paratransit Info reported in the introduction of the new 6000 series MetroRail stock.

As part of that report, we noted that the new cars suffered from the same lack of signage giving priority to people with disabilities - primarily wheelchair users.

This issue is one that seems to crop up frequently with MetroRail cars. The new 6000 series cars have wonderfully open areas at either end, as well as a place that’s perfect for wheelchairs in the center - but other than the seats at the center, there is no signage indicating priority usage.

Posted: 1 year, 11 months ago | No Comments
Categories: MetroRail , WMATA | Tags: Accessibility, Disability, MetroRail, WMATA | By: Kathi.    Print This Post

In March 2004, a lawsuit was filed against WMATA¹, alleging that WMATA was failing to comply with federal laws with regards to the MetroAccess system.

Although the contractor providing MetroAccess service on behalf of WMATA changed (from LogistiCare to MV Transit) in 2006 the case continues to be in litigation.

Late last week, all MetroAccess subscribers received a “Notice of proposed class action settlement”²

At the moment, the Judge hearing the suit will be holding a “Fairness Hearing” on May 22nd 2008. This may be the last chance people have to comment or object to any part of the proposed Settlement Agreement.

Posted: 1 year, 11 months ago | 1 Comment
Categories: MetroAccess , WMATA | Tags: ERC v WMATA, MetroAccess, MV Transit, WMATA | By: Kathi.    Print This Post