THE PETITION:

This petition is in protest to Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA)/Access-A-Ride’s (AAR) failure to be accountable for the limitless errors made in regards to horrible scheduling of client appointments, the over-crowded conditions in Access-A-Ride cars, and the unsympathetic treatment of some customers by some Access-A-Ride drivers, who expose customers to heartless treatment as they ride to and from their appointments. The Access-A-Ride Para-transit service was created specifically to assist the disabled communities with their transportation needs. Its formation was not intended to be used as a regular taxi service, but sometimes the service is operated in that manner. Additionally, transportation issues should not be a concern of the disabled community. They have enough to worry about with regards to their health. Furthermore, disabled customers riding the service should not have to deal with regular taxi service conditions that involves overcrowding in vehicles.

My suggestion is, The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities need to create or assign an organization to over-see the MTA/Access-A-Ride Para-transit business.  I believe the para-transit business urgently needs reformation of its operating structure, as well as its policies and procedures. My reason for saying this is because I have witnessed MTA/Access-A-Ride repeatedly making the same mistakes over and over, and they are never held accountable to anyone for their actions. But in order to correct this problem, I am suggesting that MTA/Access-A-Ride be accountable for all recurring mistakes, and also charged a steep fine. Furthermore, if they do not adhere to the new guidelines proposed, then they should incur an additional fine for each offense committed. Maybe then they will consider the situation to be serious, and therefore take the necessary steps to correct all mistakes permanently. Subsequently both companies will be forced into making an effort to be accountable for their actions, in order to avoid their businesses losing money.

Each individual signing this petition is in agreement with all statements made above and therefore would like to see in the near future, some organization overseeing the MTA/Access-A-Ride Para-transit business.