Attendees: Michael Carrier, Paul Copp, Antonita Dunbar, Bill Saloman, Linda Schnitzer, Michael Leyva, Judy Moscariello, Vurlean Waterman, David Bennegan-BESB, Ulises Himely-LTS, Aris Pena-LTS, Brian Helm-LTS, Linda DeLallo-LTS, Pat Williams-GHTD, Valerie Ellis-GHTD, DJ Gonzalez-GHTD, Vicki Shotland-GHTD
The forum began at 5:00 pm.
DJ Gonzalez introduced Linda DeLallo as the new Project Manager for LTS. Ms. DeLallo communicated to the group that she will be making positive changes to the service.
DJ Gonzalez advised the group that communicating results from concerns brought forth at the forums are important. The final outcome of these issues will be discussed at the next meeting.
Pat Williams provided the following stats: Total passenger trips for July 19,699, August 21,348, No trip denials, No show trips for July 772, August 843. Valerie Ellis reported the following stats: July 105 ADA applications received, out of the 105 ADA applications there were 80 new, 25 recertified and 108 ADA eligibilities were completed. August 97 ADA applications received, out of the 97 ADA applications there were 71 new, 26 recertified and 92 ADA eligibilities were completed. No recertifications were denied.
Michael Leyva questioned how many riders have appealed their ADA eligibility. Ms. Ellis commented that there have been about ten appeals, some are conditional ADA eligibilities. Ms. Ellis explained that conditional eligibilities are clients who are able to use the city bus for some of their trips but not all of the trips.
| Attendee: |
Michael Carrier |
| Comment: |
When did the service change from 14 days reservation to five days? What is the total reduction of no shows since the change?
Mr. Carrier shared with the forum that he is pleased with e-mailing his reservations to scheduler, Carol.
In addition, the driver which transports Mr. Carrier in the morning is kind and always on time. Mr. Carrier has requested not to receive door-to-door assistance.
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| Response: |
Pat Williams commented on average no shows were about 900/1,000 now they are about 800.
Mr. Gonzalez suggested that in order for the company to stop providing door-to- door service, Mr. Carrier should provide a note to be placed in his file that he is refusing door-to-door service. Also, Mr. Carrier should e-mail Carol stating this information. Brian Helm commented that even though Mr. Carrier does not want assistance, the driver should get out of his van and walk behind Mr. Carrier. This is a requirement that the driver is suppose to do.
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| Attendee: |
Judy Moscariello |
| Comment: |
Making reservations five days in advance is not practical. Ms. Moscariello would like to call as soon as she is aware of her appointment.
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| Response: |
Ms. Williams advised Ms. Moscariello about calling on the weekends and explained that reservations cannot be made any earlier than five days. Ms. Williams also advised her that she or Mr. Saloman can make a reservation for both of them if they are attending the same meeting.
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| Attendee: |
Antonita Dunbar |
| Comment: |
In the past, Ms. Dunbar had previously forwarded a commendation regarding a driver but the driver did not receive recognition. Ms. Dunbar pointed out specifically that the new drivers and the young ladies do not assist door-to-door.
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| Response: |
Ms. DeLallo advised the group that all drivers will receive a commendation letter for their files along with a gift card for Dunkin Donuts.
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| Attendee: |
Vurlean Waterman |
| Comment: |
Ms. Waterman noted that she previously had an issue with pickup on Sunday’s but it has been resolved.
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| Attendee: |
Linda Schnitzer |
| Comment: |
Ms. Schnitzer shared with the group that she attended a training sponsored by the Capitol Region Council of Government (CRCOG). One issue that was addressed is the distribution of monthly bus passes for Paratransit.
Also, Ms. Schnitzer noted that there was discussion about having a central pickup location downtown for Paratransit riders. This will assist riders who are having difficulties with a pickup point at a specific store downtown.
As a commissioner, Ms. Schnitzer has received concerns regarding riders not receiving door-to-door service.
Ms. Schnitzer addressed her concern regarding her wheelchair tie downs. Ms. Schnitzer questioned whether or not drivers should use the shoulder strap securement.
Ms. Moscarrilo noted that the shoulder strap securement for her was uncomfortable.
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| Response: |
Mr. Helm will bring a vehicle to Linda’s residence to establish a safe way to tie down Ms. Schnitzer’s wheelchair. Mr. Helm noted that the shoulder strap securement should be used with the tie down. If a rider prefers not to wear the strap, it is ok and this comment can be noted on the rider’s file. .
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| Attendee: |
Michael Carrier |
| Comment: |
Mr. Carrier also requested that the reservationists should attend the forum meeting so the passengers can express their gratitude. Mr. Carrier would also like to see a monthly bus pass for Paratransit. Mr. Carrier also extended praises to scheduler, Carol and the driver that picks him up in the morning. |
| Response: |
Mr. Gonzalez advised Mr. Carrier that he can e-mail all commendations to Ms. DeLallo.
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Meeting ended at 6pm. Please note attached are the LTS telephone numbers.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM THE GREATER HARTFORD TRANSIT DISTRICT
The next ADA forum is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13th at 5:00 pm at Union Station. You must make a reservation for transportation to and from the meeting by calling 724-5340 and select #1. All riders are required to pay the standard ADA Paratransit rate of $2.50 each way.
As time is limited all attendees are required to sign up to discuss issues at the forum with Pat Williams and provide the topic for discussion at least 48-hours in advance and the last opportunity to register is fifteen (15) minutes before the forum begins. Please remember that in order for everyone to have a chance to participate you need to keep your initial questions and discussions to five (5) minutes a piece so that we can accommodate all attendees at the forum. Follow-up responses should also be kept to five (5) minutes.
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