Partial History
1973 UMTA Section 16(b)(2) -- now FTA 5310Rehabilitation Act Section 504
1979 USDOT “local option” regs~~ should have “left well enough alone”
1990 ADA enacted1991 / 1993 / 1996 -- ADA regs & amendments1998 First specific funding for paratransit, TEA-212006 “reasonable modification” NPRM, commentsnext? . . .
How are the regulations being interpreted ?What day is today?
Basic Principles
Nondiscrimination
Comparability
Safety = Risk to others, not self
Some Key Paratransit Issues
Eligibility -- seewww.dredf.org/transportation/paratransit_eligibility.htmland Doug Cross article at the last bullet ofhttp://projectaction.easterseals.com/site/PageServer?pagename=ESPA_distance_learning_2008_para_elig_supplemental
Two “windows” -- one-hour negotiated for scheduling, plus “on-time”
Non-binding “guidance” from DOT
Aging population and changing expectations
Some Key Fixed Route Issues
Calling Out StopsBus Stop AccessBus Stop SignageLift/Ramp access & usability
Ongoing & Evolving IssuesSecurements & RestraintsService AnimalsOversize/overweight WheelchairsKidsSegways“Violent, seriously disruptive, or illegal”MedicaidWhat is “reasonable”?
Google “wheelchair scale”
http://www.scalesgalore.com/wheelchair-scales-comparison-chart.htm