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6/12/98, 9:02 am
The fixed route bus service in Memphis can be a great mode of transportation. Get out and go anywhere in the city, it may take some getting used to, but it is inexpensive and generally on time. For route and scheduling information call 274-MATA (274-6282).
Dear Mr. Hudson,
On June 10 the Memphis Center for Independent Living had our second "Ride the Bus" day. Nine individuals used the fixed route bus service to have lunch together at Pancho's in downtown Memphis. Everyone got to, and home from, the restaurant in a timely manner and had a nice lunch.
MCIL is attempting to promote the fixed route system as a quality alternative to paratransit. People with disabilities have a wide variety of expectations of service on the fixed route. Many are concerned with anxiety of other riders, the level of assistance they should anticipate, and basic procedural matters.
A fully trained driver is a great help in demonstrating to the community, including individuals with disabilities, how simple safe and effective it is to encompass all Americans in fixed route service. Also, familiarity with the basic technical aspects of ramp use, tie-downs, and assistance procedures will speed accommodations and allay concerns of bus use.
It is not uncommon for people with disabilities to find a driver that is not sufficiently trained in bus service accessibility. The apprehensive and uncertain attitude and behavior of the drivers may cause the passenger to feel that they are unwelcome, unwanted, uncomfortable and too much trouble to transport.
Unfortunately, on the ROUTE 2 bus, and the ROUTE 50 we encountered drivers that directly stated they did not have any hands-on experience in training concerning transporting people with disabilities. I rode on bus 832 and witnessed the driver unclear on procedure, never fully extend the ramp, not knowledgeable on how to fold the accessible seating up, did not assist in the tie-down procedure, and did not announce stops.
The driver of bus 832, moreover, directed a private individual to secure passengers using wheelchairs. That individual, not a passenger and obviously untrained, ignored the printed illustrations on the underside of the priority seats. The driver was unaware or choose to ignore that the passengers using wheelchairs were dangerously and uncomfortably secured on the bus.
I hope that more individuals using the fixed-route will give drivers needed experience and improve the speed and technical skill at which they perform their responsibilities. It is imperative that the drivers, at least, have basic procedural knowledge and understand their responsibilities to passengers with disabilities.
We know that within your fleet are some knowledgeable and proficient operators. I hope that our experience on the bus will soon become the exception rather than the rule.
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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