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2/4/00, 1:40 amc
With an undated unsigned single page photocopy, MATAplus operators are rigidly enforcing a safety policy printed on Mid-South Transportation Management letterhead which states that all paratransit customers who use wheelchairs will exit the bus BACKWARDS.
We consulted a Professional Occupational Therapist and asked if it is safe for all people in wheelchairs to exit backwards. They listed a half-dozen examples why such an inflexible policy would actually be dangerous. For example, a tall person will have a much higher center of gravity positioned mainly over the rear wheels. Going down a ramp backwards they may find their feet over their head. Likewise, it is potentially dangerous for people in wheelchairs that have elevated leg rests, tilt wheelchairs, oral controlled powerchairs, three wheel scooters and people with low vision.
MATA seems to have thrown caution to the wind with their shadowy "safety policy." Riders and advocates who have worked with MATA are wondering why MATA is so careless with proper procedures in adopting such a critical matter as a safety policy. A good safety policy is needed at MATA.
Where did the backwards policy come from? MATA has not enforced the paratransit "no-show" policy for eight years because they do not have a published customer information guide. The guide was to be available last September, and public hearings were held specifically on MATA policy in June of 1999. Advocates, riders, and MATA executives have labored over text of the guide to properly inform customers of MATA procedures and responsibilities; yet, the backwards policy was never brought up. The still unpublished Rider's Guide even has a heading titled BOARDING THE MATAplus VEHICLE that says nothing about exiting backwards.
Federal Regulations state:
"A ramp should be capable of handling a wheelchair with the occupant facing inboard or outboard. [US DOT FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION Guideline Specifications for Passive Lifts, Active Lifts, Wheelchair Ramps and Securement Devices, September 1992 p. 5 § 2.1.3]."
Despite this directive, MATA has unilaterally found its ramps to be hazardous. MATA apparently wishes to avoid scrutiny of its safety policy by ignoring the experience of professionals, experts and specialists. Likewise, MATA does not wish to include a Safety Policy in the 36 page MATAplus Rider's Guide nor is the "backwards" policy explained to riders. Riders and MATA staff only know about the policy through the mysterious unsigned photocopy.
Although the Operations Manager, James Anglin indicates the policy came from a nebulous "safety board" that he is on, Mr. Anglin and other board members do not divulge the origins of the secretive photocopy. Anglin admits however that while he has no idea how the "safety board" reached its conclusions, no people who use wheelchairs were consulted.
The peculiar photocopy includes a good common sense rule: "MATA will not transport passengers if they do not abide by the safety rules."
What rules?
The tenuous "safety board" seems to have come up with only one issue that impacts rider safety in the ten years that MATA has used ramps for paratransit vehicles. The enigmatic photocopy gives the bus operator no instructions on how to deal with a passenger that refuses to wear a seatbelt, has a broken wheelchair, uses a walker with wheels, has no brakes, is drunk, is bleeding, or has a gun; however, if the rider refuses to go down the ramp backward the driver is given clear directions.
MATA and MTM executives seemingly wish to shift all responsibility to the bus operators that must insist the rider get off backward, or stand in the doorway and prevent the riotous "wheelchair passengers" from exiting. Drivers are not given the option to safely and appropriately assist passengers off the bus, because MATA and MTM management have not thoroughly researched this issue, or sought the experience and advise of professionals and other transit providers.
Tim Wheat
The Memphis Center for Independent Living
1633 Madison Avenue,
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 726-6404 v/tty (901) 726-6521 fax
mcil@mcil.org
MCIL is a United Way of the Mid-South member Agency
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