MTA To Reduce Access-A-Ride Contracts; Disability Rights Advocates File Suit

By: John Mancini

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Just about everybody has felt the effects of bus and subway cutbacks, but advocates for the disabled say no one's been hit more than the people they represent. NY1's John Mancini filed the following report.

The Metroplitan Transportation Authority says it's all for Access-A-Ride. But at more than
$470 million this year, the agency says it just costs too much.

"This year we expect to reduce paratransit costs by $40 million. Next year I expect that we will reduce paratransit costs by $80 million," said MTA Chairman &and CEO Jay Walder.

According to the MTA, one way to bring down costs is by ending door-to-door service for some of the elderly and disabled. Instead, they'll be dropped off at bus stops to complete trips. Some will also only be able to use Access-A-Ride when it's too hot or too cold.

"Paratransit is supposed to be making things easier for the disabled community to get around and go to where they need to go to. And this is just making it increasingly more difficult," said Gabriela Amari of the Brooklyn Center for the Independence of the Disabled.

Advocates aren't the only ones complaining. The cutbacks will cost as many as 700 jobs for drivers, mechanics and others. And that has their union crying foul.

"The passenger should be number-one priority in the whole system. They shouldn't have to go through all those problems and inconvenience just for the simple fact that somebody is maybe trying to cut corners and save money," said Patrick Lorquet of ATU Local 1181-1061.

The MTA says it can cut hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts with two providers and still offer the same service. But the disabled say all of this year's cuts, especially the elimination of bus lines, hit them too hard. And now a suit filed by the United Spinal Association says the MTA isn't doing what's required to make the subway accessible. It's a common theme for advocates.

"The Americans With Disabilities Act should be viewed as a floor, not a ceiling, to accesibility," said Mike Godino of the Brooklyn Center for the Independence of the Disabled.

The MTA says it is fulfilling a long-standing agreement to make 100 key subway stations wheelchair-accessible by 2020. Currently, they're up to 81.

Advocates for the disabled say they understand the MTA has money problems, but have at least one suggestion on how to save some now.

"The average cost of an Access-A-Ride trip is $55. And the average cost of a taxi or car-service trip is less than half that," said Marvin Wasserman of the Brooklyn Center for the Independence of the Disabled.

The idea matches up with an MTA voucher plan for customers who don't need wheelchair lifts. It saves money, say the disabled, and a bit of dignity for folks who can get around more easily.