Metro News Release
For immediate release: February 24, 2006
Record number of people with disabilities using free ride program
More and more MetroAccess users are taking advantage of the transit authority’s free ride program on buses and trains.
So far, 1,154 MetroAccess riders have signed up for the program, which allows them and a companion to ride buses and trains at no charge. That’s nearly double the number of registrants since late October when the Metro Board made the program permanent. More than 220 MetroAccess riders have signed up in the last six weeks. A new contractor started managing the MetroAccess curb-to-curb paratransit service in mid-January.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Office of ADA Programs received 475 inquiries about free ride and trip planning programs last month – more than two and half times the number of inquiries for assistance received in December. The office handles inquires for free Metro system orientation tours, the reduced fare program for people with disabilities, trip planning assistance, and the MetroAccess free ride program. Metro officials say many of the calls came from MetroAccess customers.
"Using the bus and rail system gives MetroAccess users another choice, and more freedom and autonomy. Plus it’s free for them and a companion. In addition, it saves Metro i.e. the taxpayers money," said Glenn Millis, director of Metro’s Office of ADA Programs.
The number of MetroAccess customers who signed up for free Metro system orientations also jumped from zero in December to more than 23 since January. As part of the orientations, a Metro employee meets a person with a disability at their home, bus stop or other location and spends up to a day guiding them around the bus and subway system. Employees help the customers troubleshoot their trip. Metro has partnered with Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind and Services for the Visually Impaired, who have specially trained Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists to help people who are blind or have low vision navigate the bus and rail system. The orientation program is available to anyone with disabilities and has been offered since 2003.
The MetroAccess free ride program started in June 2004 as a pilot. It was an option recommended by a regional paratransit task force to help control the growing costs of the paratransit service, which now has a price tag of about $50 million a year.
News release issued on February 24, 2006.