From the New York Times:A report from the City Council assailed the state of transportation for people with disabilities in New York City and recommended sweeping improvements.

In addition to problems that have long plagued the public transit system, like the dearth of subway stations with elevators and a shortage of taxicabs that are wheelchair-accessible, the report also cited problems — including rude paratransit drivers, insensitive subway employees and poorly maintained equipment — that council members believe can be quickly and inexpensively corrected.

The report recommended better training for Metropolitan Transportation Authority employees who provide paratransit services, and increased inspections and maintenance of wheelchair lifts and other accessibility components on buses.

… Passengers in the study who use the service said that drivers often refused to help them enter or exit the van or to assist them with their packages, claiming that Access-A-Ride policy prohibited them from leaving the vehicle, according to the report. One passenger recalled being stuck in his snow-covered driveway while the paratransit van driver refused to get out and help him board.

“Oh no! I’m not coming out to help you — it’s not my job,” the passenger quoted the driver as saying.

See earlier story here: Elderly road rage over transit for the disabled

This entry was posted on Monday, January 14th, 2008 at 9:30 am and is filed under accessibility, elderly, transportation, wheelchair. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post