as Illinois Gov. Rauner proposed State Budget in attempts to deal with Illinois decades of wasteful spending, and underfunding state employees pension fund. We will experience many reduced and eliminated services in the state, also people with disabilities in Northeastern Illinois that are Paratransit riders also are facing having higher fares, more packed vehicles (which will be hard to do), and a lower standard of service that so many have fought for. We would like to share a report on proposed Public Transit funding cuts from WGN Chicago.
Chicago paratransit riders concerned over Rauner’s proposed budget cuts
Chicago paratransit riders concerned over Rauner’s proposed budget cuts
WGN9 Chicago, report by ERIN MCELROY | Feb 24, 2015
CHICAGO –Under Governor Bruce Rauner’s budget plan, the CTA, Metra and Pace would lose almost $130 million in state funding, threatening deep service cuts.
For Vanessa Gonzales, the Pace Paratransit bus is her lifeline to work and any semblance of a normal routine.
“It’s what I have, it’s the only thing I have and it’s really important”
Vanessa’s struggle began several years back, when severe rheumatoid arthritis and glaucoma stole her vision and her body’s ability to get around.
She, like thousands of others, is now dependent on paratransit buses.
Now, that program faces it’s most drastic cut in years under Governor’s Rauner’s proposed plan to eliminate an $8.5 million annual appropriation for paratransit that comes out of the state’s general revenue fund.
That is just one of many cuts to public transit now on the table with a new governor saddled with massive state debt.
Rauner’s proposed game plan includes trimming the regional transportation authority’s budget nearly five percent in the year ahead – much of that falling on the CTA.
Leaving public transit with two bad options: pass along more fare increases, or continue to cut back service.
Vanessa say there already is a shortage of seats for para-transit riders – “If you call and there’s no room for you–what are you supposed to do?”
The belt tightening even further with Rauner’s additional proposed elimination of state reimbursement for all reduced fares.
The CTA issued this response: “Eliminating or reducing the $28 million reimbursement for a free and reduced fare rides for seniors and riders with disabilities would place a further burden on a state-mandated program that is already woefully underfunded.”
More than 50,000 people are currently using paratransit to get around at a cost of more than $2800 a year per person – a price tag that cuts deep into an agency that stands to lose millions in funding.
CHICAGO –Under Governor Bruce Rauner’s budget plan, the CTA, Metra and Pace would lose almost $130 million in state funding, threatening deep service cuts.
For Vanessa Gonzales, the Pace Paratransit bus is her lifeline to work and any semblance of a normal routine.
“It’s what I have, it’s the only thing I have and it’s really important”
Vanessa’s struggle began several years back, when severe rheumatoid arthritis and glaucoma stole her vision and her body’s ability to get around.
She, like thousands of others, is now dependent on paratransit buses.
Now, that program faces it’s most drastic cut in years under Governor’s Rauner’s proposed plan to eliminate an $8.5 million annual appropriation for paratransit that comes out of the state’s general revenue fund.
That is just one of many cuts to public transit now on the table with a new governor saddled with massive state debt.
Rauner’s proposed game plan includes trimming the regional transportation authority’s budget nearly five percent in the year ahead – much of that falling on the CTA.
Leaving public transit with two bad options: pass along more fare increases, or continue to cut back service.
Vanessa say there already is a shortage of seats for para-transit riders – “If you call and there’s no room for you–what are you supposed to do?”
The belt tightening even further with Rauner’s additional proposed elimination of state reimbursement for all reduced fares.
The CTA issued this response: “Eliminating or reducing the $28 million reimbursement for a free and reduced fare rides for seniors and riders with disabilities would place a further burden on a state-mandated program that is already woefully underfunded.”
More than 50,000 people are currently using paratransit to get around at a cost of more than $2800 a year per person – a price tag that cuts deep into an agency that stands to lose millions in funding.
http://wgntv.com/2015/02/24/chicago-paratransit-riders-concerned-over-rauners-proposed-budget-cuts/
have an All Star line-up of speakers who will engage the extraordinary audience of the Conference raising awareness and sharing solutions to address the needs of these categories of passengers.”
Geraldine Lundy, Virgin Atlantic Airways Passenger Accessibility Manager, will explore the challenges that hidden disabilities pose for everyone involved in the passenger experience. She will also present solutions that can enhance the experience for the customer and minimise the impact of any issues.
Laurel Van Horn, Programme Director for Open Doors Organization, will present the 2015 follow-up study of American adult travellers with disabilities. The research measures travel behaviours like how often people travel, how much money they spend, where they travel in the USA and abroad, and which sources of information and technology they rely on. The presentation will compare 2015 findings with earlier ODO studies to reveal differences over time, including how well the aviation industry is meeting the needs of this growing market.
Roberto Castiglioni, Reduced Mobility Rights founder and director. At a time when expectations about the airport experience are greater than ever before, Roberto will explore solutions on hand to facilitate delivery customer service excellence to passengers with special needs. 
Kavaragu Mtambuzi, DOT Compliance Analyst at Virgin America, will discuss improving the overall experience for guests with disabilities sharing the Virgin America approach. On her watch, Virgin America has taken a stance that it is more important to be proactive with the services it provides rather than reacting to complaints or concerns after the fact.
