The wheels on the bus

The wheels on the bus go round and round, but the wheels on the AccessRide don't come here.

Don't know if the Metropolitan Transit Authority here in Nashville has any persons with disabilities on their board, but it's the first thing I wondered when I read this article.

Most people have a few transportation options when they travel to work. Sure, a lot depends on the distance. But walking, bicycling and driving are all out for my husband. Arranging to ride with someone is difficult when you know almost no one in town. Funny enough, many people don't think guide dog when they think carpooling.

Changing AccessRide should not be a way to reduce costs.

Gas is more expensive, and people are riding the bus. Is this the time to be cutting routes? In theory, with the rate hike and an increase in ridership, couldn't they somehow make up the difference?

And really, is it ever a good idea to limit access for those who cannot travel from their location or to their destination from a bus stop?

My husband now has to rely on a ride, he cannot get to work independently. For some people, this change means they aren't able to get to work, period.

The AccessRide service is not free, it is fee based. I realize they may need to increase costs, and that would prohibit some from taking the van service, but give riders the choice of paying more for their door-to-door ride before you discontinue it. For some people, it's their only option.

Comments

[chez beziat]

I totally agree with you. I can drive but I sometimes have issues with my beater. If only the bus served our area, I'd happily pay a fare each day rather than worry about the cost of keeping my old '92 Honda in decent shape.

Good luck your way.