On-time Performance in City of Chicago Paratransit Service in Question

Transportation Delayed is Transportation Denied:

Report of On-time Performance in Pace's City of Chicago Paratransit Service

October 22, 2017 (Press Release)

Study Finds Only 62% of Chicago Paratransit Rides On-Time
Coalition Files Complaint with Federal Transit Administration

CHICAGO - A Report released today by Access Living finds that only 62% of the 186 paratransit pick-ups recorded through multiple surveys around Chicago were on-time. In contrast, Pace - which administers the paratransit program in Chicago - generally reports an on-time pick-up performance rate of 87.5%.

The surveys also found that when pick-ups were late, they were often very late. 41% of late pick-ups were over 40 minutes late. 16% were over an hour late.

Paratransit is the public transportation system for people whose disabilities make it too difficult for them to ride conventional public transportation. To use the system, paratransit riders schedule pick-ups 24 hours in advance of a trip, and arrange a specific pick-up time with the paratransit carrier. Pace considers a pick-up to be on-time if it occurs within 20 minutes of the scheduled pick-up time.

Even though paratransit vehicles are equipped with GPS technology that can track specific pick-up times, Pace's on-time performance reports rely on driver self-reporting. Because the on-time rate in the surveys is so different from the rate reported by Pace, the Report concludes that Pace's reliance on driver self-reporting is misplaced and Pace's published on-time rate is not accurate.

Concurrent with the release of this Report, a coalition of organizations filed a complaint with the Federal Transit Administration ("FTA"). The complaint alleges that Pace's on-time performance is so low that it violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.

To fix this problem, the complaint asks the FTA to demand that Pace: (a) track pick-up times via its GPS capability, (b) enforce penalty clauses already in its contracts for late pick-ups, and (c) appoint an independent auditor to both uncover the reasons for the low on-time performance rate and propose action steps for improvement.

"This is about our basic civil rights," said Dr. Ayo Maat, President of IMPRUVE, a paratransit advocacy group. "We can't participate in society, hold down a job, or even get regular medical care if we don't have reasonably reliable transportation. Chicago's paratransit system isn't reliable enough to meet those needs."

For more information, contact Charles Petrof, Access Living, at 312.640.2124 (voice), 312.640.2169 (tty), cpetrof@accessliving.org (email). The report can be downloaded at this link.

source: Access Living of Metro Chicago

# # #

The Chicago Tribune published a article:
Pace service for disabled riders 'unacceptably poor,' advocate survey shows
CBS2 News report:
Pace Defends Service, Responds To Access Living Report Criticism

There are also other issues pertaining to PACE Suburban Bus transparency in the Paratransit service provided in the City of Chicago, maybe some of the long overlooked and ignored issues will finally come to light. - Jim W. at Ability Chicago Info

U.S. Department of Transportation Fines Frontier Airlines $400,000, Lack of Assistance for Passengers with Disabilities

In a press release on July 21, 2017 the U.S. Department of Transportation fined Frontier Airlines $400,000. The Denver-based company violated procedures by bumping passengers from oversold flights and not properly helping disabled passengers.

The report found passengers with disabilities didn't receive prompt and adequate assistance getting on and off airplanes, and they weren't helped inside terminals.

“Frontier remains committed to complying with DOT rules and regulations,” Frontier said in a statement. “During this investigation, Frontier reviewed outdated procedures that were not effective; these have since been updated.

 The U.S. Department of Transportation also fined  American Airlines and Delta Air Lines for other violations, according to the transportation department, but Frontier must pay the largest amount.

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation press release

FTA Webinar March 30th: in-depth look at Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements

FTA Offers Final Training Session in ADA Circular Series

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Office of Civil Rights concludes its series of webinars providing an in-depth look at Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and how theADA Circular addresses them with a focus on the ADA and vehicles.

Join us 2-3 p.m. EDT Wednesday, March 30, 2016 to learn about vehicle acquisition standards, accessibility considerations, and equivalent facilitation. This webinar covers material from chapters 4, 5, and 11 of the ADA Circular.

The ADA Circular webinar series is designed for FTA grantees. We request that each agency register for a single spot because attendance space is limited. You can view past webinars on our Civil Rights Training Materials page.

FTA ADA Training about transportation facilities - Webinar March 16th

FTA’s Office of Civil Rights continues its series of webinars that provide an in-depth look at Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and how the ADA Circular addresses them with a webinar about transportation facilities at 2 p.m. EDT Wednesday, March 16, 2016. This fifth webinar in our series will cover common issues with the DOT Standards, new construction and alterations, and equivalent facilitation. This webinar covers material from chapters 3 and 5 of the ADA Circular.

This session will discuss ADA requirements as they relate to transportation facilities. We will address common issues and other topics such as alterations, platform-vehicle coordination, and equivalent facilitation. This webinar covers material from chapters 3 and 5 of the FTA ADA Circular. 

You may register for webinar 5 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ftaADAwebinar5.

The ADA Circular webinar series is designed for FTA grantees. Because attendance space is limited, we request that each agency register a single spot. You can view past webinars on our Civil Rights Training Materials page.

Links: FTA ADA Circular 

Webinar March 2nd: The ADA and Demand Responsive Service Requirements

The FTA will host a series of six webinars on the new ADA Circular for FTA grantees. These hour-long webinars will include useful information on relevant ADA topics, tips and suggestions for compliance and accessible service, and opportunities to ask questions.

This webinar session (#4) will discuss ADA requirements as they relate to demand responsive service. We will address topics such as types of demand responsive service, equivalent service, monitoring, and more. This webinar covers material from chapters 2 and 7 of the FTA ADA Circular.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 2, 2016,
TIME:  2:00–3:00 pm EST

Registration and Attendance

This webinar is designed for FTA grantees. It provides useful information on providing accessible service and complying with the DOT ADA regulations. Because attendance space is very limited, we request that each agency register for a single spot. You may register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ftaADAwebinar4.

Note: This registration link is for Webinar 4 only.Registration links for future webinars will be updated here following the completion of prior webinars

FTA ADA Circular Webinar Training Feb. 17th: Disability Fixed Route Service Requirements

In October 2015, FTA issued its ADA Circular. To help transit agencies and riders get the most out of the Circular, FTA’s Office of Civil Rights is hosting a series of webinars that provide an in-depth look at ADA requirements and how the Circular addresses them. Each hour-long webinar will provide useful information on ADA topics as well as tips and suggestions for providing accessible service.

Join us for Webinar 3 – The ADA and Fixed Route Service Requirements – at 2 p.m. EDT Wednesday, February 17. The hour-long training will address topics such as alternative transportation, priority seating, stop announcements, and more. This webinar covers material from Chapters 2 and 6 of the ADA Circular. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions.

The ADA Circular webinar series is designed for FTA grantees. Because attendance space is limited, we request that each agency register for a single spot.

Note: This registration link is only for Webinar 3. View past webinars on our Civil Rights Training Materials page.

Links:
ADA Circular
Register for Webinar 3 – The ADA and Fixed Route Service Requirements
ADA Circular training opportunities

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Webinar Feb. 9th: Changes to National Transit Database’s Uniform System of Accounts

This webinar provides an overview of changes and updates to the Uniform System of Accounts used for reporting information to the National Transit Database as published in the Federal Register Docket ID FTA_FRDOC_0001-0618.

Join FTA at a webinar to learn about the proposed changes to the Uniform System Accounts used in the National Transit Database (NTD), FTA’s primary database for statistics on the transit industry. More than 800 transit providers in urbanized areas report to the NTD through its online reporting system. Reporting requirements are governed by a Uniform System of Accounts (USOA) originally published in 1977. FTA proposes to update the accounting system to better align with today’s practices. Proposed changes will: 

• Address inconsistencies in the USOA due to changes in technology and transit organization structure
• Revise accounting principles and object classes in USOA to align with accounting and industry leading practices and standards
• Provide additional cost allocation guidance to enhance consistency in each transit agency’s cost allocation model and methodology 

See the February 3, 2016 Federal Register notice soliciting comments. The webinar outlining the proposed changes will be offered 2-4 PM EST Thursday, February 18, 2016. Registration is required. 

Links:National Transit Database

Federal Register notice (February 3, 2016)
Webinar registration

FTA Webinar ADA Circular Training February 3rd:The ADA and Paratransit

from a Press Release | January 25, 2016

Federal Transit Administration

In October 2015, FTA issued its ADA Circular. To help transit agencies and riders get the most out of the Circular, FTA’s Office of Civil Rights is hosting a series of webinars that provide an in-depth look at ADA requirements and how the Circular addresses them. Each hour-long webinar will provide useful information on ADA topics as well as tips and suggestions for providing accessible service. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions.

Join us for Webinar 2 – The ADA and Paratransit – 2-3 p.m. EST Wednesday, February 3. 

We will address service requirements related to paratransit service criteria, capacity constraints, and trip reservations. For eligibility, we will look at types of eligibility, the eligibility process, and no-show policies. This webinar covers material from Chapters 8 and 9 of the FTA ADA Circular.

The ADA webinar series is designed for FTA grantees. Because attendance space is limited, we request that each agency register for a single spot. Note: this registration link is only for Webinar 2. Registration links for future webinars will be sent out separately.

FTA is committed to providing equal access to this session for all participants. If you need alternative formats, options, or services, please contact FTAcivilrightstrain@dot.gov.

Links:

ADA Circular

Register for Webinar 2 – The ADA and Paratransit (link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9WX6LB2)

See list of ADA Circular training opportunities

Related Posts:
FTA Issues Detailed Guidance to Public Transportation Agencies on Implementing Americans with Disabilities Act
New FTA Americans with Disabilities Act Circular, an outline of ADA requirements

DOT Exploring Negotiated Rulemaking on Air Travel Access Issues impacting air travel for passengers with disabilities

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is considering undertaking a negotiated rulemaking under the Air Carrier Access Act to address issues impacting air travel for passengers with disabilities. These issues include access to inflight entertainment, accommodation of medical oxygen, policies on service animals, restroom accessibility, seating accommodations, and carrier reporting of disability service requests.

As outlined in a recent notice in the Federal Register, DOT is exploring the feasibility of forming an advisory committee of stakeholders and affected parties to address these issues as a regulatory negotiation. Under this process, committee members would work together to reach consensus on regulatory solutions to the issues. Likely committee members would include representatives from advocacy groups, airlines, airports, airline vendors providing wheelchair assistance, aircraft manufacturers, companies that manufacture and provide content for inflight entertainment systems, and service animal training organizations, as well as other federal agencies with a regulatory interest, such as the Access Board, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Communications Commission. If consensus is reached, DOT would then proceed with rulemaking and publish for public comment a proposed rule based on the committee's recommendations.

DOT is examining the feasibility of this rulemaking approach and is currently accepting public comments on the subject until January 6, 2016, as indicated in its notice. For further information, contact Kathleen Blank Riether of the DOT Office of Aviation Enforcement and Proceedings at kathleen.blankriether@dot.gov or (202) 366-9342.

New FTA Americans with Disabilities Act Circular, an outline of ADA requirements

The Federal Transit Administration has announced the availability of the new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Circular.  The ADA circular provides guidance to recipients and subrecipients of FTA financial assistance necessary to carry out provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the U.S. Department of Transportation's implementing regulations at 49 CFR Parts 27, 37, 38, and 39. The final circular, FTA C 4710.1, is effective as of November 4, 2015. The circular's purpose is to provide an outline of ADA requirements with reference to applicable regulatory sections and example practices to meet the ADA requirements. More information is available in the Federal Register notice along with an overview of comments received. Key aspects of ADA Circular Federal Register notice: ADA Circular "does not alter, amend or otherwise affect the U.S. DOT ADA regulations themselves or replace the need for detailed information in the regulations." No new requirements are included in the circular. An introduction, explanation of requirement, discussion and good practices examples are provided for each primary topic. Developed in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Access Board, the circular's chapters address:      Chapter 1 - Introduction Chapter 2 - General Requirements (reasonable modification, boarding & service animals) Chapter 3 - Transportation facilities for both bus and rail Chapter 4 - Vehicle acquisition (bus & rail), securement and seating Chapter 5 - Equivalent facilitation (requests and documentation) Chapter 6 - Fixed-Route Service (lifts, ramps, stop announcements, priority seating & local policies) Chapter 7 - Demand Responsive Service (taxi subsidy service, dial-a-ride, van pools & route deviation) Chapter 8 - Complementary Paratransit Service (level of service, premium service, curb-to-curb service, scheduling & fares) Chapter 9 - ADA Paratransit Eligibility (standards, process, types of eligibility)  Chapter 10 - Passenger Vessels (accessibility, assistance, service animal definition & complaint procedures) Chapter 11 - Other modes (high-speed rail, monorails, automated guideway & others) Chapter 12 - Oversight, complaints and monitoring This announcement offers an overview of the contents of the circular. For complete details, download a copy in Word or PDF format from the FTA website.   # information as shared by:

Easter Seals Project Action Consulting 1425 K Street N.W. Suite 200 Washington, D.C. 20005 (844) 227-3772 TTY: (202) 347-7385   espaconsulting@easterseals.com www.projectaction.com @ESPAConsulting

FTA Issues Detailed Guidance to Public Transportation Agencies on Implementing Americans with Disabilities Act

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) on October 05, 2015 published detailed guidance to transit agencies on how to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With the 25th anniversary of the landmark legislation as a backdrop, the release of FTA’s ADA Circular represents a major milestone in assistance to the transit community. It thoroughly explains ADA requirements for public transit, providing real-life situations as examples of good practices for the transit industry to ensure accessible services for riders. The document does not amend or supersede the DOT ADA regulations; rather, it offers explanatory scenarios and sample templates, such as a rail station checklist for new construction and alterations.
FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan’s video message.

YouTube Published on Oct 5, 2015

In this video, Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Therese McMillan explains a new FTA resource that helps transit agencies and riders comply with the transportation provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act -- for the new ADA Circular.

FTA ADA Notice: Petition for "Rulemaking on Paratransit Fares" - Comment period by Sept 21, 2015

The U.S. Department of Transportation seeks public comments on a petition for rulemaking from Access Services concerning the Department's regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) with respect to the method of determining the fare for a trip charged to an ADA paratransit eligible user. 

The petition asks the Department to revise its regulation to allow for a “coordinated” or two-tier fare structure. The current regulation provides that the fare shall not exceed twice the fare that would be charged to an individual paying full fare for a similar trip on the fixed route system.

Please Read the full proposed rule, as this can and will affect paratransit fares. If you choose to comment, please do!
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The Federal Transit Administration has asked Ability Chicago Info to assist in distributing the U.S. Department of Transportation Notice of Petition for Rulemaking:

Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities; Service Criteria for Complementary Paratransit Fares.

 

Your feedback and comments are requested on the method of calculating trip fares for eligible ADA complementary paratransit customers. Please take a few minutes to read through the information, formulate answers to the questions, and send your feedback to FTA. We urge all interested parties to submit comments regarding this proposed amendment to regulation. It is your input that will help to drive the process going forward. Comments must be submitted by September 21, 2015.

Notice of Petition for Rulemaking - Comments Sought  

The U.S. Department of Transportation seeks comments on a petition for rule-making proposed by Access Services, a complementary paratransit provider in Los Angeles County, California, regarding the method of calculating trip fares for eligible ADA complementary paratransit customers.

Key Factors: 

Current regulation 49 CFR 37.131 Service Criteria for Complementary Paratransit, paragraph (c) states, "Fares. The fare for a trip charged to an ADA paratransit eligible user of the complementary paratransit service shall not exceed twice the fare that would be charged to an individual paying full fare (i.e., without regard to discounts) for a trip of similar length, at a similar time of day, on the entity's fixed route system." 

• Access Services is proposing an addition to this language that would:
  • Apply to entities coordinating paratransit service for 20 or more fixed-route agencies;
  • Allow the calculation of fixed-route fare based on a regional average; and
  • Fix the cap on the ADA complementary paratransit fare not to exceed twice the regional average for fixed-route trips.

The U.S. DOT seeks input from both customers and providers of paratransit services. From customers, particular questions to answer include:

• Would a more simplified tiered fare system, set by the local transit agencies, be beneficial to individuals with disabilities using public transportation in regions with multiple fixed-route providers?
• Would any tiered system need to be capped at a certain amount (e.g., twice the fare on a comparable fixed route trip)?
• How many tiers would be unmanageable for individuals with disabilities?

Questions for providers include:

• How do these paratransit providers, particularly in regions with many fixed-route operators, currently determine fares in order to comply with the Department's current regulations?
• What procedures or best practices do they use?
• What challenges do ADA complementary paratransit providers face in setting fares under the current regulations?
• How many fixed-route providers do you coordinate with?

Submission of Comments

• The comment period is open until September 21, 2015.
• All comments should include the docket number: DOT-OST-2015-0075
• Comments may be submitted as follows:
• Online at: http://www.regulations.gov
• Via telefax at 202-493-2251
• Via U.S. mail at Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001
• By hand to:
  Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the West Building, U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday except federal holidays.
  

Click here for full text of the Petition for Rulemaking; Request for Comments and Instructions for Submitting Comments

# reposted from 08/24/2015

FTA 2015 Report: Accessible Transit Services for All, assessment of ADA Paratransit Service

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has posted a report, Accessible Transit Services for All, that provides a fresh look at paratransit  and how agencies can improve service effectiveness and cost efficiency, a timely release with this week’s 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The report presents successful strategies for providing ADA-compliant paratransit. Featuring an assessment of ADA paratransit service design models, as well as an in-depth analysis of procurement and contracting practices, the report also identifies operational practices that can enhance service quality and cost efficiency, and successful examples of alternative, inclusive service designs that can provide improved transportation for all riders. 

The report is funded by the FTA through a cooperative agreement with the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund and FTA’s Office of Research, Demonstration, and Innovation.