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| The REAL Rider's Guide |
| Letters of Betty Anderson BFMS President |
The Real MATAplus Rider's GuideThe Real MATAplus Rider's Guide is produced to inform riders of what the law entitles persons with disabilities to in paratransit services. The Real MATAplus Rider's Guide has correct and valid information although MATA has printed other information in a published Rider's Guide. The content and structure of this Rider's Guide was approved for use at a public hearing in June of 1999. This Rider's Guide was created with the assistance of MATA executive personnel and the input of people that use the service. Mr. Michael Staley, a paratransit consultant, provided invaluable leadership, guidance and assistance.
MATA is to be a system that everyone can use with ease and comfort. All MATA transfer centers, along with most buses, are designed with special features to accommodate disabled patrons. MATA issues Half-Fare passes for senior citizens and disabled riders. This card allows an eligible individual to travel at a discount during off-peak times (9 am to 3 pm). The fare must be paid in cash. To be eligible for discounts, you must be 65 years of age or older, or have a physical or mental disability. For further information, call MATA at (901) 528-2870.
If you have a disability which prevents you from using a MATA fixed-route public transit you may be eligible for MATAplus. Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Note: Two important qualifiers to Category 3 eligibility are included in the regulations. First, environmental conditions and architectural barriers not under the control of the public entity do not, when considered alone, confer eligibility. Second, inconvenience in using the fixed route system is not a basis for eligibility. An individual who believes that he or she is eligible must apply for certification. Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
Two types of service are offered on MATAplus:
Advanced Reservation In those rare instances where demand outstrips the amount of service on the street the MATA reservation agent will attempt to provide you with an alternate time as close to the original requested time as possible. Example -MATAplus rider: "I would like a pick-up scheduled at 8 a.m." Trip negotiations are permissible under the ADA, promote greater on time performance, and have the practical effect of making more service available to a greater number of people. All passengers have the right to reject an alternate trip time. Declining an alternate trip time will be treated as a trip refusal rather than a denial of service. Example -Riders may make requests for either a pick- up time or arrival/appointment time. A rider who asks for a specific pick-up time will be provided the nearest time within one hour before or one hour after the requested pick- up to choose from. A rider may request a specific arrival/appointment time. A MATA reservation agent will provide the nearest pick-up time that will ensure the rider will reach his or her destination within one hour of the requested time.MATAplus rider: "I would like a pick-up scheduled at 8 a.m." If no arrangement for service can be made within an hour, either before the requested time, or after the requested time, declining the alternatives offered will be considered "denial of service." However, a rider may still accept an alternative more than one hour from the requested time. MATA reservation staff are to notify the rider of all possible times service may be provided with regard to each requested time.
Subscription Service Subscription service is restricted to work, medical, and educational trips. It is offered Monday through Saturday. When a person has been approved for subscription service it is necessary for that person to contact the scheduler to confirm the desired days and times of travel. Once a subscription schedule is confirmed by MATA, the customer does not have to make any further reservation calls. The paratransit vehicle will arrive during the scheduled pick-up window at the same location each day as prearranged with MATA. Long-term or permanent changes to subscription service must be submitted to MATA at least one week prior to the date when the change will take effect. MATA cannot guarantee that changes in subscription service can be accommodated. Temporary changes to subscription service must be in effect for a minimum of two weeks and be submitted one week in advance of the effective date. The regular subscription service can be reinstated with as little as one days notice. Same day changes cannot be accommodated. Subscription service is offered as a convenience to our customers. Availability is based upon a first come/first served basis. Under the ADA, subscription service may not exceed 50% of the space available on the system at any time period on any given day. Subscription service availability is not required under the ADA. As such, certain restrictions may be imposed due to capacity constraints. Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
Days and Hours of MATAplus Office Service
Monday through Friday
Saturday
Sunday MATAplus operates a Sunday schedule on the following holidays:
Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
The MATAplus Application for ADA Paratransit Eligibility asks for general identification information such as your address, social security number, date of birth, and telephone numbers. If you have help with the application, general information is requested from the individual or agency assisting.
The eligibility application asks you to describe how your disability prevents you from using the fixed-route bus and trolley service and what conditions make paratransit necessary. This functional self-evaluation is to help MATA personnel determine the Category of your eligibility. The application further asks that you provide the name and address of a physician, health care professional, rehabilitation professional, or other professional that can confirm the information you have provided.
Note: The 21day processing requirement does not apply to incomplete, returned applications. Incomplete or inaccurate applications detected by MATA will be imminently returned to the applicant with deficient information clearly noted.
Notification of Applicants Status
What If My Application Is Denied?
How Long Is My Eligibility Good For? Repeated unsuccessful attempts to communicate with a customer whose eligibility has expired may result in the customers name being purged from MATAplus active customer list.
Temporary Disabilities
Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
Is My ADA Photo ID Card Good Only On MATAplus?*
*Your ADA Photo ID may be required each time you ride the paratransit vehicle.
What If I Lose My ADA Photo Identification Card? Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
What Are The Reservation Hours? Individuals with hearing impairments may confirm a reservation through MATA's TTY number at (901) 274-1757. Please remember, reservation agents are the only persons who can make a reservation for a trip. Drivers cannot make, change, or cancel your reservations.
What Information Do I Have To Give the Reservation Agent?
Will My Reservation Be Confirmed Immediately?
To Change If MATA is to be successful in improving service quality and availability, it is imperative that the number of late cancellations and no shows be minimized. Accordingly, MATA asks all customers to adhere to the following procedures: Late cancellations (defined as a cancellation that occurs within one hour of the scheduled pick-up time) will be recorded in the customer's client file. An excessive number of late cancellations may result in temporary suspension of service privileges. Cancellations that occur because of an emergency situation beyond the customer's control will be considered a "non- chargeable" late cancellation, provided the customer can offer a sufficient explanation or documentation. Never "No Show" a scheduled trip. Always cancel the trip even if you have to cancel late. If you "No Show" a scheduled trip, all subsequent service for that day will be automatically canceled. A MATA driver may list a driver as a "No Show," however, the determination of a chargeable "No Show" will be made by the MATAplus director's staff. Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
Pick-Up Window
Note: An 8:00 a.m. trip is on time if MATAplus arrives between 8:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Customers must be ready to depart at any time during the 30 minute pick-up window.
What If The Vehicle Arrives Early? If the vehicle arrives during the pick-up window the operator must wait 5 minutes before declaring the passenger a no show.
Will The Driver Wait If I Am Late? What if the bus is late?
Pick-Up Procedures
Apartment/Office Complexes
A customer traveling from a large office complex, medical facility, or other similar area must meet the vehicle at the curb closest to the main reception desk or main lobby entrance.
Nursing Homes
Adult Day Centers
Boarding The MATAplus Vehicle
Driver Assistance In addition to a PCA, a customer may be accompanied by a Travel Companion such as a child, a friend, or a family member. Additional companions may travel on a space available basis. Travel companions are subject to the regular paratransit fare and must have the exact same travel arrangements as the customer. It is not necessary for the companion to be certified by MATA and they do not need a photo ID. The customer must inform the reservation agent at the time the reservation is made whether a travel companion or a PCA will be accompanying the customer to ensure an accurate count of individuals traveling on a vehicle. Children age 5 years and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
Punch passes may be purchased at MATA's Customer Service Center at 61 South Main Street, MATA's main office at 1370 Levee Road, and Methodist Central's cashier's office. The fare for punch passes are $22.00 and are good for twenty two rides. You may also purchase passes by mail by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your payment to: MATA 1370 Levee RD. Memphis TN 38108 Allow at least seven days for delivery of the pass. All approved MATAplus riders must have a MATAplus photo identification card. Please call (901) 722-7171 to make arrangements to have your card made at 61 South Main Street. There is no charge for the card.
Wheelchairs The weight of the wheelchair must not exceed 600 pounds when occupied. There are many types of wheelchairs and sometimes it can be difficult to identify the main-frame of a wheelchair. To insure proper wheelchair securement, MATA may provide unobtrusive decals to identify the main-frame of the wheelchair. A trained MATA agent will locate the main-frame and gladly assist all customers who may need help placing the decals.
Scooters
Ambulatory Customers
Wheelchair Securement and Seat Belt Policy Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
Customers should make other arrangements for packages exceeding three parcels. Excessive luggage and large boxes cannot be accommodated. Customers may be required to secure their packages at their seats as storage space on the vehicle is limited. The maximum combined weight of all packages cannot exceed twenty-five (25) pounds. Drivers are allowed to load a maximum of three bags onto the vehicle, but they are not allowed to carry packages to/from the vehicle.
Animals MATA will transport other authorized service animals provided they are properly constrained.
Note: For safety reasons, drivers are not permitted to carry cages or handle the service animals. WHAT IF I FAIL TO SHOW UP FOR A SCHEDULED TRIP?Scheduling a trip and then failing to use the service without proper cancellation causes serious transportation and scheduling problems for all MATAplus customers. A chargeable no show violation will be added to your record when:
Note: when a passenger fails to show for a scheduled trip, all subsequent trips for that day, for that customer, are automatically canceled. Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
Each customer must adhere to the rules of conduct. Actions of misconduct, including violent or disruptive behavior, will be grounds for suspension of service. Anyone found to be acting in an unsafe manner which might endanger other customers, the driver, or the vehicle will be terminated from service immediately. MATA will consider an appeal for said suspension of service on a case by case basis. A customer requiring physical assistance outside the vehicle (e.g., to or from his/her door, or assistance up stairways or difficult grades) must have a PCA or a companion accompany him/her on the vehicle. The PCA will be responsible for providing the physical assistance the customer requires. Paratransit operators are required to stay with their vehicles. Customers requiring medications or oxygen at regular intervals, should be advised that travel time on the paratransit vehicle is comparable to the MATA's fixed route system. Ride times are subject to delays that may result in a customer's on-board time being longer than (60) minutes. Public transportation is subject to unpredictable conditions such as traffic delays, and mechanical problems.
Note: MATA cannot be responsible for, nor can schedules be adjusted to accommodate, the administration of medications once the vehicle is in route. Administering medication is the customer's responsibility. A customer requiring assistance in the administration of medications or oxygen while on the vehicle must travel with either a PCA or companion. Should the administration of medications or oxygen become necessary while on the vehicle, MATA will contact emergency medical assistance to administer the required medication at the customer's expense. Repeated incidents in which medication schedules disrupt or delay other MATAplus customers may result in the evaluation of the individual's suitability to use paratransit services. MATA subscribes to a "no smoking" policy throughout the transit system. Customers are generally prohibited from eating or drinking on the vehicle unless a medical problem exists that requires eating or drinking at specified time periods. In such cases, the customer must advise the driver of this fact. The use of alcoholic beverages or riding under the influence of intoxicating drugs or alcohol is prohibited at all times. Customers are prohibited from playing radios without the use of headphones. Customers may not operate or tamper with any equipment while on the vehicle. This rule includes operation of the hydraulic lift, ramp and attempts to remove wheelchair tie downs or passenger seat belts. Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
Drivers may not accept tips or gratuities or act in any manner that would suggest that tipping is appropriate. Drivers are responsible for the operation of the hydraulic lift, ramp and securing mobility devices safely in the vehicle. Drivers cannot leave their vehicles unattended. Drivers cannot handle fares or cash. Drivers cannot make change.
MATA 1370 Levee RD. Memphis TN 38108 Specific details help MATA thoroughly address your suggestions and comments in an expeditious fashion. Please include the following information when calling or writing.
Return to the Guide to the Rider's Guide
When calling, please be specific about the complaint. Give dates, time bus number, location and description of driver along with detailed information from our customers regarding the incident. Example: Late pick-up, rudeness, wheelchair tie-down problem, etc. Complaints received by the Information Center Supervisor will be logged and a number applied to each complaint. They will be processed and forwarded to the appropriate designed individual in each department for investigation. The investigation should be completed within five (5) working days and returned to the Information Center Supervisor, and the customer will be contacted and advised of the findings of the complaint. If the investigation cannot be completed within five (5) working days the customer will be notified of the delay and advised when to expect a follow-up call to address their concern. If the customer insists on speaking with someone in higher authority, the customer will be advised of the complaint procedure. However, if a manager is available, the call will be forwarded to the Manager of Customer Service and Information at that time. If no one is available your call will be returned by a manager as soon as possible. However, to expedite you complaint you must record the information with the supervisor. After receiving the results from the designated department, the Information Center will prepare a response and will get back in touch by letter or by phone to explain the results. For specific paratransit customer support services, you may call Willie Lewis at 722-7196 or write to the MATA address listed above, Attention: Allison Burton. In an effort to support the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) goal to increase outreach efforts directed at consumers having difficulty gaining access to public transportation, MATA has listed FTA toll free numbers for customers, advocates for persons with disabilities, and the general public to call with concerns regarding public transit accessibility and related issues.
Voice: 1-888-446-4511
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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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