Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 I used to ride the bus. The thing that slowed things down were incompetent bus drivers, that protested my presence by doing my job in slow-motion, and decrepit lifts and wheelchair tie-downs. Jenn > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I won't > comment because it speaks for itself... > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 What an interesting read...this is so true. Everyone is in such a hurry to get where their going and it would only take a few moments of random kindness for an able bodied complainer to get up off their tush and HELP someone get on the bus more quickly. Now there's a thought! My son has SMA and it is not unusual to see me (5'2 " ) struggling to get him (5'10 " 225lbs) out of my truck or whereever and complete strangers offer to assist, if needed. Maybe the midwest has more people willing to help out. Mother of , 25 yrs of age w/SMA - we don't know what type! >From: " " <way2square@...> >Reply- > >Subject: Outrageous >Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:13:30 -0000 > >Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I won't >comment because it speaks for itself... > >http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 I used to ride also. What a nightmare. I was pretty quick, and as someone on that blog mentioned there were ppl either drunk or looking for change who took way longer than any wheelchair user. I have had to argue with drivers who refused to use the tie downs though! I hate public transportation-but I am happy it is accessible! jennifer <nekrosys@...> wrote: I used to ride the bus. The thing that slowed things down were incompetent bus drivers, that protested my presence by doing my job in slow-motion, and decrepit lifts and wheelchair tie-downs. Jenn > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I won't > comment because it speaks for itself... > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > A FEW RULES * The list members come from many backgrounds, ages and beliefs So all members most be tolerant and respectful to all members. * Some adult language and topics (like sexual health, swearing..) may occur occasionally in emails. Over use of inappropriate language will not be allowed. If your under 16 ask your parents/gaurdian before you join the list. * No SPAMMING or sending numerous emails unrelated to the topics of spinal muscular atrophy, health, and the daily issues of the disabled. Post message: Subscribe: -subscribe Unsubscribe: -unsubscribe List manager: (Sexy Mature Artist) Email: Esma1999@... oogroups.com List manager: (Sexy Mature Artist) Email: Esma1999@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 Same here! Our bus system sucks. > > > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I won't > > comment because it speaks for itself... > > > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 The interesting thing about this article is that it's published in a so-called liberal, progressive magazine. Imagine what would happen if someone had submitted an article suggesting that blacks should always ride in the back of the bus, and that the civil rights legislation needs to be repealed! Apparently, bigotry against the disabled is still acceptable even by those who fancy themselves " enlightened. " > > > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I won't > > comment because it speaks for itself... > > > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 That article makes me sad. I always speak so highly of Seattle, and this shows up in their liberal, undergroundish paper? So sad. I hate public transportation, and avoid it when possible. I hate the unreliability and running late and waiting in the cold as much as the next person. And then I hate the big production it takes to get me on the bus, and even if other people aren't visibly rude to me, I'm still paranoid that they're resenting me beneath their smiles. And I hate that the bus drivers clearly have no training, or else they didn't pay attention in training, about how to tie down a wheelchair. You think one little strap is going to keep my chair from sliding around the bus, or tipping over? Not likely. I'll admit, when I was using the bus to get all over NYC a couple months ago, people were really nice about it. And it was nice that it was free. Mostly, I was impressed that every bus driver would ask where I needed to get off, and then actually remember to let me off. Do they have some system of reminding themselves? I just know that if I were driving, I'd be running on autopilot and completely forget. Still, I was always paranoid that they would forget. And it would have been much nicer to be able to use the subway system, but I was told that only some stations were accessible. -e Re: Re: Outrageous I used to ride also. What a nightmare. I was pretty quick, and as someone on that blog mentioned there were ppl either drunk or looking for change who took way longer than any wheelchair user. I have had to argue with drivers who refused to use the tie downs though! I hate public transportation-but I am happy it is accessible! jennifer <nekrosys@...> wrote: I used to ride the bus. The thing that slowed things down were incompetent bus drivers, that protested my presence by doing my job in slow-motion, and decrepit lifts and wheelchair tie-downs. Jenn > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I won't > comment because it speaks for itself... > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > A FEW RULES * The list members come from many backgrounds, ages and beliefs So all members most be tolerant and respectful to all members. * Some adult language and topics (like sexual health, swearing..) may occur occasionally in emails. Over use of inappropriate language will not be allowed. If your under 16 ask your parents/gaurdian before you join the list. * No SPAMMING or sending numerous emails unrelated to the topics of spinal muscular atrophy, health, and the daily issues of the disabled. Post message: Subscribe: -subscribe Unsubscribe: -unsubscribe List manager: (Sexy Mature Artist) Email: Esma1999@... oogroups.com List manager: (Sexy Mature Artist) Email: Esma1999@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 Here is the response I posted to this blog...I must say I hate this shit... a, Suggesting that the curb-to-curb paratransit service as the option for wheelchair-user in order to make your commute more convenient shows your ignorance in such matters. 1) Paratransit is a required alternative for people who are unable to use fixed-route lines because of their disability. Your fellow passengers who were loaded onto the bus are obviously able to ride the regular bus, so were probably not certified to ride paratransit. 2) Paratransit is extremely expensive. Should taxpayers be required to pay for the expansion of such a costly and individualized service for people who don't really need it because you're not willing to take an earlier bus? 3) When riding paratransit one must allow enough time to account for many scenarios - First, the vehicle is allowed to arrive at any time within a 20-30 minute window (depending on the provider's contract). Second, that vehicle might arrive even later without advance notice because these things happen. Third, the ride may include picking up or dropping off other individuals (this is an encouraged cost-saving measure). Fourth, a driver may not be very skilled using the equipment. Fifth, there may be equipment malfunctions. When I rode paratransit, I had to allow for an hour and a half to insure I was on-time for work after only a mile and a half ride. (I should plan this much in advance so you don't have to?) 4) Paratransit requires scheduling in advance. The bus does not. People with disabilities have fought for and won the right to have the spontaneity that you have using public services. 5) The real issues in your situation are: The buses are not designed to allow for quick and convenient use, despite exhaustive advocacy on the part of disability advocates; many of the drivers resent being required to load wheelchair-users because there's no incentive to do this and they are working amidst grumbling passengers such as yourself, thus they move slowly; drivers are often poorly trained to use equipment efficiently; and the transit provider published an unrealistic schedule. If delays on your route are inconvenient enough to prompt you to write a blog suggesting the rollback of people's civil rights, I suggest you direct your energy toward more constructive activities to solve these problems. You could work for improving public transportation accessibility by assisting a disability advocacy group in your community. Or ask your transit provider to improve the equipment or to publish bus realistic schedules that allow for wheelchair-users in-route. You could also car-pool (it's much more difficult to do this using a wheelchair). Maybe move closer to your job (it's easier for you to find housing than it is for a wheelchair- user). Find a good book and catch the earlier bus. Remember you're not the center of the universe...To live in a society, we have to collaborate. For me, that means I take time to describe a cultural perspective about which you seem to know little. Good luck with better managing your time and commute. > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I won't > comment because it speaks for itself... > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 That reply is awesome! Alana <alrt@...> wrote: Here is the response I posted to this blog...I must say I hate this shit... a, Suggesting that the curb-to-curb paratransit service as the option for wheelchair-user in order to make your commute more convenient shows your ignorance in such matters. 1) Paratransit is a required alternative for people who are unable to use fixed-route lines because of their disability. Your fellow passengers who were loaded onto the bus are obviously able to ride the regular bus, so were probably not certified to ride paratransit. 2) Paratransit is extremely expensive. Should taxpayers be required to pay for the expansion of such a costly and individualized service for people who don't really need it because you're not willing to take an earlier bus? 3) When riding paratransit one must allow enough time to account for many scenarios - First, the vehicle is allowed to arrive at any time within a 20-30 minute window (depending on the provider's contract). Second, that vehicle might arrive even later without advance notice because these things happen. Third, the ride may include picking up or dropping off other individuals (this is an encouraged cost-saving measure). Fourth, a driver may not be very skilled using the equipment. Fifth, there may be equipment malfunctions. When I rode paratransit, I had to allow for an hour and a half to insure I was on-time for work after only a mile and a half ride. (I should plan this much in advance so you don't have to?) 4) Paratransit requires scheduling in advance. The bus does not. People with disabilities have fought for and won the right to have the spontaneity that you have using public services. 5) The real issues in your situation are: The buses are not designed to allow for quick and convenient use, despite exhaustive advocacy on the part of disability advocates; many of the drivers resent being required to load wheelchair-users because there's no incentive to do this and they are working amidst grumbling passengers such as yourself, thus they move slowly; drivers are often poorly trained to use equipment efficiently; and the transit provider published an unrealistic schedule. If delays on your route are inconvenient enough to prompt you to write a blog suggesting the rollback of people's civil rights, I suggest you direct your energy toward more constructive activities to solve these problems. You could work for improving public transportation accessibility by assisting a disability advocacy group in your community. Or ask your transit provider to improve the equipment or to publish bus realistic schedules that allow for wheelchair-users in-route. You could also car-pool (it's much more difficult to do this using a wheelchair). Maybe move closer to your job (it's easier for you to find housing than it is for a wheelchair- user). Find a good book and catch the earlier bus. Remember you're not the center of the universe...To live in a society, we have to collaborate. For me, that means I take time to describe a cultural perspective about which you seem to know little. Good luck with better managing your time and commute. > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I won't > comment because it speaks for itself... > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > A FEW RULES * The list members come from many backgrounds, ages and beliefs So all members most be tolerant and respectful to all members. * Some adult language and topics (like sexual health, swearing..) may occur occasionally in emails. Over use of inappropriate language will not be allowed. If your under 16 ask your parents/gaurdian before you join the list. * No SPAMMING or sending numerous emails unrelated to the topics of spinal muscular atrophy, health, and the daily issues of the disabled. Post message: Subscribe: -subscribe Unsubscribe: -unsubscribe List manager: (Sexy Mature Artist) Email: Esma1999@... oogroups.com List manager: (Sexy Mature Artist) Email: Esma1999@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 OMG thank you!! I read the article and wanted to punch the person who wrote it haha. Alana <alrt@...> wrote: Here is the response I posted to this blog...I must say I hate this shit... a, Suggesting that the curb-to-curb paratransit service as the option for wheelchair-user in order to make your commute more convenient shows your ignorance in such matters. 1) Paratransit is a required alternative for people who are unable to use fixed-route lines because of their disability. Your fellow passengers who were loaded onto the bus are obviously able to ride the regular bus, so were probably not certified to ride paratransit. 2) Paratransit is extremely expensive. Should taxpayers be required to pay for the expansion of such a costly and individualized service for people who don't really need it because you're not willing to take an earlier bus? 3) When riding paratransit one must allow enough time to account for many scenarios - First, the vehicle is allowed to arrive at any time within a 20-30 minute window (depending on the provider's contract). Second, that vehicle might arrive even later without advance notice because these things happen. Third, the ride may include picking up or dropping off other individuals (this is an encouraged cost-saving measure). Fourth, a driver may not be very skilled using the equipment. Fifth, there may be equipment malfunctions. When I rode paratransit, I had to allow for an hour and a half to insure I was on-time for work after only a mile and a half ride. (I should plan this much in advance so you don't have to?) 4) Paratransit requires scheduling in advance. The bus does not. People with disabilities have fought for and won the right to have the spontaneity that you have using public services. 5) The real issues in your situation are: The buses are not designed to allow for quick and convenient use, despite exhaustive advocacy on the part of disability advocates; many of the drivers resent being required to load wheelchair-users because there's no incentive to do this and they are working amidst grumbling passengers such as yourself, thus they move slowly; drivers are often poorly trained to use equipment efficiently; and the transit provider published an unrealistic schedule. If delays on your route are inconvenient enough to prompt you to write a blog suggesting the rollback of people's civil rights, I suggest you direct your energy toward more constructive activities to solve these problems. You could work for improving public transportation accessibility by assisting a disability advocacy group in your community. Or ask your transit provider to improve the equipment or to publish bus realistic schedules that allow for wheelchair-users in-route. You could also car-pool (it's much more difficult to do this using a wheelchair). Maybe move closer to your job (it's easier for you to find housing than it is for a wheelchair- user). Find a good book and catch the earlier bus. Remember you're not the center of the universe...To live in a society, we have to collaborate. For me, that means I take time to describe a cultural perspective about which you seem to know little. Good luck with better managing your time and commute. > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I won't > comment because it speaks for itself... > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > --------------------------------- Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 LOL, i would too, Preet. On 11/10/06, Preet <dreamzofx23@...> wrote: > > OMG thank you!! I read the article and wanted to punch the person who > wrote it haha. > > > Alana <alrt@... <alrt%40comcast.net>> wrote: Here is the response > I posted to this blog...I must say I hate this > shit... > > a, > > Suggesting that the curb-to-curb paratransit service as the option > for wheelchair-user in order to make your commute more convenient > shows your ignorance in such matters. > > 1) Paratransit is a required alternative for people who are unable > to use fixed-route lines because of their disability. Your fellow > passengers who were loaded onto the bus are obviously able to ride > the regular bus, so were probably not certified to ride > paratransit. > > 2) Paratransit is extremely expensive. Should taxpayers be required > to pay for the expansion of such a costly and individualized service > for people who don't really need it because you're not willing to > take an earlier bus? > > 3) When riding paratransit one must allow enough time to account for > many scenarios - First, the vehicle is allowed to arrive at any time > within a 20-30 minute window (depending on the provider's > contract). Second, that vehicle might arrive even later without > advance notice because these things happen. Third, the ride may > include picking up or dropping off other individuals (this is an > encouraged cost-saving measure). Fourth, a driver may not be very > skilled using the equipment. Fifth, there may be equipment > malfunctions. When I rode paratransit, I had to allow for an hour > and a half to insure I was on-time for work after only a mile and a > half ride. (I should plan this much in advance so you don't have > to?) > > 4) Paratransit requires scheduling in advance. The bus does not. > People with disabilities have fought for and won the right to have > the spontaneity that you have using public services. > > 5) The real issues in your situation are: The buses are not > designed to allow for quick and convenient use, despite exhaustive > advocacy on the part of disability advocates; many of the drivers > resent being required to load wheelchair-users because there's no > incentive to do this and they are working amidst grumbling > passengers such as yourself, thus they move slowly; drivers are > often poorly trained to use equipment efficiently; and the transit > provider published an unrealistic schedule. > > If delays on your route are inconvenient enough to prompt you to > write a blog suggesting the rollback of people's civil rights, I > suggest you direct your energy toward more constructive activities > to solve these problems. You could work for improving public > transportation accessibility by assisting a disability advocacy > group in your community. Or ask your transit provider to improve > the equipment or to publish bus realistic schedules that allow for > wheelchair-users in-route. You could also car-pool (it's much more > difficult to do this using a wheelchair). Maybe move closer to your > job (it's easier for you to find housing than it is for a wheelchair- > user). Find a good book and catch the earlier bus. Remember you're > not the center of the universe...To live in a society, we have to > collaborate. For me, that means I take time to describe a cultural > perspective about which you seem to know little. > > Good luck with better managing your time and commute. > > > > > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I > won't > > comment because it speaks for itself... > > > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 EXCELLENT reply!!! Too bad she probably won't " get it. " Lori Alana wrote: > Here is the response I posted to this blog...I must say I hate this > shit... > > a, > > Suggesting that the curb-to-curb paratransit service as the option > for wheelchair-user in order to make your commute more convenient > shows your ignorance in such matters. > > 1) Paratransit is a required alternative for people who are unable > to use fixed-route lines because of their disability. Your fellow > passengers who were loaded onto the bus are obviously able to ride > the regular bus, so were probably not certified to ride > paratransit. > > 2) Paratransit is extremely expensive. Should taxpayers be required > to pay for the expansion of such a costly and individualized service > for people who don't really need it because you're not willing to > take an earlier bus? > > 3) When riding paratransit one must allow enough time to account for > many scenarios - First, the vehicle is allowed to arrive at any time > within a 20-30 minute window (depending on the provider's > contract). Second, that vehicle might arrive even later without > advance notice because these things happen. Third, the ride may > include picking up or dropping off other individuals (this is an > encouraged cost-saving measure). Fourth, a driver may not be very > skilled using the equipment. Fifth, there may be equipment > malfunctions. When I rode paratransit, I had to allow for an hour > and a half to insure I was on-time for work after only a mile and a > half ride. (I should plan this much in advance so you don't have > to?) > > 4) Paratransit requires scheduling in advance. The bus does not. > People with disabilities have fought for and won the right to have > the spontaneity that you have using public services. > > 5) The real issues in your situation are: The buses are not > designed to allow for quick and convenient use, despite exhaustive > advocacy on the part of disability advocates; many of the drivers > resent being required to load wheelchair-users because there's no > incentive to do this and they are working amidst grumbling > passengers such as yourself, thus they move slowly; drivers are > often poorly trained to use equipment efficiently; and the transit > provider published an unrealistic schedule. > > If delays on your route are inconvenient enough to prompt you to > write a blog suggesting the rollback of people's civil rights, I > suggest you direct your energy toward more constructive activities > to solve these problems. You could work for improving public > transportation accessibility by assisting a disability advocacy > group in your community. Or ask your transit provider to improve > the equipment or to publish bus realistic schedules that allow for > wheelchair-users in-route. You could also car-pool (it's much more > difficult to do this using a wheelchair). Maybe move closer to your > job (it's easier for you to find housing than it is for a wheelchair- > user). Find a good book and catch the earlier bus. Remember you're > not the center of the universe...To live in a society, we have to > collaborate. For me, that means I take time to describe a cultural > perspective about which you seem to know little. > > Good luck with better managing your time and commute. > > > > > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I > won't > > comment because it speaks for itself... > > > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > <http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php> > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 10, 2006 Report Share Posted November 10, 2006 No, lol. I have to take the bus anyway ecause I can't drive, and I have to be able to sit at the front to hear the driver's instructions. So i get a little ticked at that. So I know how it feels. On 11/10/06, Those Two <those2@...> wrote: > > EXCELLENT reply!!! Too bad she probably won't " get it. " > > Lori > > > Alana wrote: > > > Here is the response I posted to this blog...I must say I hate this > > shit... > > > > a, > > > > Suggesting that the curb-to-curb paratransit service as the option > > for wheelchair-user in order to make your commute more convenient > > shows your ignorance in such matters. > > > > 1) Paratransit is a required alternative for people who are unable > > to use fixed-route lines because of their disability. Your fellow > > passengers who were loaded onto the bus are obviously able to ride > > the regular bus, so were probably not certified to ride > > paratransit. > > > > 2) Paratransit is extremely expensive. Should taxpayers be required > > to pay for the expansion of such a costly and individualized service > > for people who don't really need it because you're not willing to > > take an earlier bus? > > > > 3) When riding paratransit one must allow enough time to account for > > many scenarios - First, the vehicle is allowed to arrive at any time > > within a 20-30 minute window (depending on the provider's > > contract). Second, that vehicle might arrive even later without > > advance notice because these things happen. Third, the ride may > > include picking up or dropping off other individuals (this is an > > encouraged cost-saving measure). Fourth, a driver may not be very > > skilled using the equipment. Fifth, there may be equipment > > malfunctions. When I rode paratransit, I had to allow for an hour > > and a half to insure I was on-time for work after only a mile and a > > half ride. (I should plan this much in advance so you don't have > > to?) > > > > 4) Paratransit requires scheduling in advance. The bus does not. > > People with disabilities have fought for and won the right to have > > the spontaneity that you have using public services. > > > > 5) The real issues in your situation are: The buses are not > > designed to allow for quick and convenient use, despite exhaustive > > advocacy on the part of disability advocates; many of the drivers > > resent being required to load wheelchair-users because there's no > > incentive to do this and they are working amidst grumbling > > passengers such as yourself, thus they move slowly; drivers are > > often poorly trained to use equipment efficiently; and the transit > > provider published an unrealistic schedule. > > > > If delays on your route are inconvenient enough to prompt you to > > write a blog suggesting the rollback of people's civil rights, I > > suggest you direct your energy toward more constructive activities > > to solve these problems. You could work for improving public > > transportation accessibility by assisting a disability advocacy > > group in your community. Or ask your transit provider to improve > > the equipment or to publish bus realistic schedules that allow for > > wheelchair-users in-route. You could also car-pool (it's much more > > difficult to do this using a wheelchair). Maybe move closer to your > > job (it's easier for you to find housing than it is for a wheelchair- > > user). Find a good book and catch the earlier bus. Remember you're > > not the center of the universe...To live in a society, we have to > > collaborate. For me, that means I take time to describe a cultural > > perspective about which you seem to know little. > > > > Good luck with better managing your time and commute. > > > > > > > > > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this morning. I > > won't > > > comment because it speaks for itself... > > > > > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > <http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2006 Report Share Posted November 12, 2006 Great response. --- Alana <alrt@...> wrote: > Here is the response I posted to this blog...I must > say I hate this > shit... > > a, > > Suggesting that the curb-to-curb paratransit service > as the option > for wheelchair-user in order to make your commute > more convenient > shows your ignorance in such matters. > > 1) Paratransit is a required alternative for people > who are unable > to use fixed-route lines because of their > disability. Your fellow > passengers who were loaded onto the bus are > obviously able to ride > the regular bus, so were probably not certified to > ride > paratransit. > > 2) Paratransit is extremely expensive. Should > taxpayers be required > to pay for the expansion of such a costly and > individualized service > for people who don't really need it because you're > not willing to > take an earlier bus? > > 3) When riding paratransit one must allow enough > time to account for > many scenarios - First, the vehicle is allowed to > arrive at any time > within a 20-30 minute window (depending on the > provider's > contract). Second, that vehicle might arrive even > later without > advance notice because these things happen. Third, > the ride may > include picking up or dropping off other individuals > (this is an > encouraged cost-saving measure). Fourth, a driver > may not be very > skilled using the equipment. Fifth, there may be > equipment > malfunctions. When I rode paratransit, I had to > allow for an hour > and a half to insure I was on-time for work after > only a mile and a > half ride. (I should plan this much in advance so > you don't have > to?) > > 4) Paratransit requires scheduling in advance. The > bus does not. > People with disabilities have fought for and won the > right to have > the spontaneity that you have using public services. > > 5) The real issues in your situation are: The buses > are not > designed to allow for quick and convenient use, > despite exhaustive > advocacy on the part of disability advocates; many > of the drivers > resent being required to load wheelchair-users > because there's no > incentive to do this and they are working amidst > grumbling > passengers such as yourself, thus they move slowly; > drivers are > often poorly trained to use equipment efficiently; > and the transit > provider published an unrealistic schedule. > > If delays on your route are inconvenient enough to > prompt you to > write a blog suggesting the rollback of people's > civil rights, I > suggest you direct your energy toward more > constructive activities > to solve these problems. You could work for > improving public > transportation accessibility by assisting a > disability advocacy > group in your community. Or ask your transit > provider to improve > the equipment or to publish bus realistic schedules > that allow for > wheelchair-users in-route. You could also car-pool > (it's much more > difficult to do this using a wheelchair). Maybe > move closer to your > job (it's easier for you to find housing than it is > for a wheelchair- > user). Find a good book and catch the earlier bus. > Remember you're > not the center of the universe...To live in a > society, we have to > collaborate. For me, that means I take time to > describe a cultural > perspective about which you seem to know little. > > Good luck with better managing your time and > commute. > > > > > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me this > morning. I > won't > > comment because it speaks for itself... > > > > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. http://smallbusiness./r-index Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 12, 2006 Report Share Posted November 12, 2006 It the writer was a man, and with little prompting, I'd fly out there and punch them on everyone's behalf (me dumb male)... --- Buck <jared.buck@...> wrote: > LOL, i would too, Preet. > > On 11/10/06, Preet <dreamzofx23@...> wrote: > > > > OMG thank you!! I read the article and wanted to > punch the person who > > wrote it haha. > > > > > > Alana <alrt@... <alrt%40comcast.net>> > wrote: Here is the response > > I posted to this blog...I must say I hate this > > shit... > > > > a, > > > > Suggesting that the curb-to-curb paratransit > service as the option > > for wheelchair-user in order to make your commute > more convenient > > shows your ignorance in such matters. > > > > 1) Paratransit is a required alternative for > people who are unable > > to use fixed-route lines because of their > disability. Your fellow > > passengers who were loaded onto the bus are > obviously able to ride > > the regular bus, so were probably not certified to > ride > > paratransit. > > > > 2) Paratransit is extremely expensive. Should > taxpayers be required > > to pay for the expansion of such a costly and > individualized service > > for people who don't really need it because you're > not willing to > > take an earlier bus? > > > > 3) When riding paratransit one must allow enough > time to account for > > many scenarios - First, the vehicle is allowed to > arrive at any time > > within a 20-30 minute window (depending on the > provider's > > contract). Second, that vehicle might arrive even > later without > > advance notice because these things happen. Third, > the ride may > > include picking up or dropping off other > individuals (this is an > > encouraged cost-saving measure). Fourth, a driver > may not be very > > skilled using the equipment. Fifth, there may be > equipment > > malfunctions. When I rode paratransit, I had to > allow for an hour > > and a half to insure I was on-time for work after > only a mile and a > > half ride. (I should plan this much in advance so > you don't have > > to?) > > > > 4) Paratransit requires scheduling in advance. The > bus does not. > > People with disabilities have fought for and won > the right to have > > the spontaneity that you have using public > services. > > > > 5) The real issues in your situation are: The > buses are not > > designed to allow for quick and convenient use, > despite exhaustive > > advocacy on the part of disability advocates; many > of the drivers > > resent being required to load wheelchair-users > because there's no > > incentive to do this and they are working amidst > grumbling > > passengers such as yourself, thus they move > slowly; drivers are > > often poorly trained to use equipment efficiently; > and the transit > > provider published an unrealistic schedule. > > > > If delays on your route are inconvenient enough to > prompt you to > > write a blog suggesting the rollback of people's > civil rights, I > > suggest you direct your energy toward more > constructive activities > > to solve these problems. You could work for > improving public > > transportation accessibility by assisting a > disability advocacy > > group in your community. Or ask your transit > provider to improve > > the equipment or to publish bus realistic > schedules that allow for > > wheelchair-users in-route. You could also car-pool > (it's much more > > difficult to do this using a wheelchair). Maybe > move closer to your > > job (it's easier for you to find housing than it > is for a wheelchair- > > user). Find a good book and catch the earlier bus. > Remember you're > > not the center of the universe...To live in a > society, we have to > > collaborate. For me, that means I take time to > describe a cultural > > perspective about which you seem to know little. > > > > Good luck with better managing your time and > commute. > > > > > > > > > > Here's a story that a friend forwarded to me > this morning. I > > won't > > > comment because it speaks for itself... > > > > > > > http://www.thestranger.com/blog/2006/11/should_the_handicapp.php > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low > PC-to-Phone call rates. > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > > > > > > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been > removed] > > ________________________________________________________________________________\ ____ Music Unlimited Access over 1 million songs. http://music./unlimited Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.