Posts by Penny Everline — Guest Contributor
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5 ways transit riders can make transit more accessible
People with disabilities often face barriers to accessing public transit. And while much of the burden of removing those barriers falls on public agencies, other patrons can help make transit more accessible too. Discussions about making the fixed-route more accessible to people with disabilities and older adults often center on items in the transit provider’s sphere… Keep reading…
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Free neighborhood shuttle could save DC money
Residents and workers in Southwest Waterfront want to restore a discontinued free shuttle bus, the Shuttle-Bug, that operated between G and M streets SW from Sixth Street to slightly past Third Street. The Shuttle-Bug connected thousands of residents in that area, including people with low incomes and older adults, to the Safeway, CVS, and Waterfront Metro station. Keep reading…
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Can SmarTrip work for riders with the lowest incomes?
WMATA’s goal is to get as many riders as possible to use SmarTrip. The approved FY2011 operating budget increases the fare difference between SmarTrip and cash rides, giving an increased incentive to use SmarTrip. But does this hurt riders with lower incomes? Advocates for riders with low incomes believe that significant barriers to purchasing and using SmarTrip cards… Keep reading…
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Travel training promotes independence and saves costs
Many of us get on our bus or train every day without thinking twice. Some of us who are not morning people (myself included) wake up two stops before our office not remembering how we got there. Our body knows where to go, has been there many times before, and takes us there on autopilot. None of us were born knowing how to ride transit. At some point, we learned. For… Keep reading…
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WMATA governance task force distracts from real issues
On May 12, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors voted to join a task force established by the Greater Washington Board of Trade to review the WMATA governance structure. This is more a distraction than a useful exercise. There are indeed ways WMATA can and should improve. But restructuring the WMATA Board is unlikely to make any real difference… Keep reading…
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MetroAccess cuts remain
While many transit advocates breathed a collective sigh of relief when they learned that WMATA Interim General Manager Sarles’ FY2011 proposed operating budget included far fewer service cuts than were originally outlined in former General Manager Catoe’s proposed budget, several significant service cuts remain, including cuts to MetroAccess. Here is what… Keep reading…
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MetroAccess can save money while also saving rides
Recently, I shared my perspective on why mobility is important to the disability community, including to those individuals who rely on ADA complementary paratransit (MetroAccess), and factual information on the purpose and minimum requirements for ADA complementary paratransit service. Now, it’s time to talk about money. In response to my posts, a… Keep reading…
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Demystifying ADA complementary paratransit
Yesterday, I shared why access to public transportation is important to me as a person with a disability who cannot drive and who relies on the fixed route service. In addition, I explored why access to public transportation is equally important to people with disabilities who rely on ADA complementary paratransit service (MetroAccess). I expressed concern about cutting… Keep reading…
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Transit makes world larger for people with disabilities
When I was 16 years old and all my friends were learning how to drive, I learned that driving was not an option for me due to a visual impairment. I lived in a small town with no public transportation. So, as my friends got their keys and gained their freedom, I watched my small world get smaller. Sure, friends and family members drove me around. But I couldn’t… Keep reading…