Find out about the upcoming event where people with disabilities will issue a report card to Metro on their accessibility and accommodations.
For More Information:
Jeanette Mott Oxford
314-289-4303
Who: People with disabilities organizing as the STL Metropolitan Alliance for Reliable Transit (S.M.A.R.T.), convened by Paraquad, one of Missouri’s 22 independent living centers
When: Thursday, March 7, 2024, 9 a.m.
Where: Conference Room, STL Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired
8770 Manchester Road, St. Louis, MO 63144
What: S.M.A.R.T. will issue the first of a series of periodic “Report Cards” to Metro Transit regarding:
- Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Meaningful Engagement with People with Disabilities
- Keeping Promises
- The Customer Experience
Background: Problems with public transportation for people with disabilities were thoroughly documented by STL and statewide media in 2023.In January 2023, 18,000 requested rides were denied on Call-A-Ride, and nearly 7,000 rides were still denied by November, 2023, according to Operations Reports from Bi-State Development.
S.M.A.R.T. formed and began to meet weekly. Official complaints were filed to the Federal Transit Administration and to the U.S. Department of Justice. Those investigations have been conducted or are ongoing, but public reports have not yet been issued.
Public promises were made by Bi-State CEO Taulby Roach on November 7. The March 7 Report Card marks four months since those promises were made – and also one year since a public meeting was held at UMSL to discuss route cuts that have made life much harder for people with disabilities in the STL Region.
Personally impacted people will share their experiences and their commitment to remain engaged with Metro until we receive the affordable, accessible, safe, and reliable transportation that we deserve.
#DisabilityRights #PublicTransportation #AccessibilityReview
