TRANSPORTATION NEEDS MALDEN

How to Improve Public Transportation Options In Your Community

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law. The ADA does not require that public transportation be provided in every community where people live. However, if public bus and/or rail service is provided, it must comply with ADA requirements for accessibility for people with disabilities. Providers of public fixed-route bus and/or rapid/light rail service must also provide ADA Paratransit service (origin-to-destination transportation for people with disabilities who cannot use the bus or rail system all or some of the time). When bus or rail service is cut-back or eliminated, ADA Paratransit service can be cut-back or eliminated.
If your community doesn't have any public transportation, or if it is very limited in its hours, days and/or service area, you probably have a political problem, but not necessarily a legal problem. This means that the solution to improving transportation in your community will probably involve a political process. Decisions about how public money should be spent are made by government officials and elected representatives based on input from many different people and groups. Statistically, 25% of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, but only 6% of federal transit dollars are allocated to serve them. If a community organizes in support of government money for public transportation, it increases the chances that transportation may be created or expanded in that community.
How can you improve public transportation options in your community? Below is a list of ideas and resources:

• Write letters to your local, state and federal government representatives;
• Create a petition calling for more public transportation - ask as many community members as possible to sign on - and give the petition to your government representatives;
• To find your elected representatives in state or federal government, go to FirstGov.gov, the U.S. government's official web portal, or e-mail FirstGov@mail.fedinfo.gov or call ((800) 333-4636 (in Illinois, go to http://www.ilga.gov/ and select "Legislator Lookup;"
• Contact APRIL - The Association of Programs for Rural Independent Living - for more information on its advocacy for rural transportation. APRIL is a national network of rural centers for independent living (CIL's) and other organizations and individuals concerned with the unique aspects of rural independent living. APRIL is organized to promote independence and strive for full rights and benefits for individuals with disabilities living in rural environments. APRIL, 5903 Powdermill Rd., Kent, Ohio 44240, (330) 678-7648 (Voice) & april-linda@neo.rr.com. Website: http://www.april-rural.org/docs/transport.html ;
• The Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) offers a variety of technical assistance for communities looking to initiate and/or expand transportation services and programs that link people to jobs, medical care and other destinations necessary for quality of life. CTAA, 1341 G St NW, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20005. (800) 891-0590. Website: http://www.ctaa.org/TECHASSIST/ ;
• Contact the Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities. RTC: Rural, The University of Montana Rural Institute: A Center for Excellence in Disability Education, Research, and Services, 52 Corbin Hall, Missoula, MT 59812-7056. (888) 268-2743 (voice) or e-mail: rural@ruralinstitute.umt.edu Website: http://rtc.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/Trn/RuTrnAcs.htm; and
• Easter Seals Project ACTION has initiated a project to increase the amount, cost-effectiveness and accessibility of transportation services available in small urban and rural communities for all citizens, including people with disabilities. Now available in the Projects and Funding section of the ESPA Web site is a fact sheet describing the year-long study, titled "Transportation Service for Persons with Disabilities: Alternatives for Rural and Small Urban Communities." For more information, call (800) 659-6428 (voice), (202) 347-7385 (TTY), e-mail project_action@easterseals.com or go to http://projectaction.easterseals.com/.

For more information about Transportation Rights, contact:
Kevin Irvine
Senior Transportation Advocate, Equip for Equality
20 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 300, Chicago 60602
(800) 537-2632 ext. 7321 (voice) (800) 610-2779 (TTY) (312) 341-0295 (Fax)kevin@equipforequality.org
http://equipforequality.org/programs/transportationrights

Malden Transportation Downtown Senior Center

Friday, May 2, 2008
TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS
We are concerned about getting to the downtown area and to have access to the New Senior Center.
It is appreciated that since calling the senior concerns to the attention of Human Services Director Christine DiPietro the problem of getting to the New Community Senior Center with the moving of the buses from Pleasant Street and elimination of the stop on Washington Street will be addressed before the opening planned for December 2008
We still find that it is still an issue with not only the Seniors and disabled but for all the "shoppers" and "dining out" people the get "downtown" conveniently with a bus service that turns out to be an "express Service" around the downtown area circling right to the Malden Orange Line Rapid Transit Service to travel to areas outside Malden Center.
Since this issue affects all of the citizens of 8 wards of the City I think that ALL
of the Ward City Councilors to look into methods to improving access of the downtown area (with the backing of our at large councilors)
Concerns: Safety in crossing the dangerous intersections, shuttle service to the downtown area, local taxi service ,
We now have a service provided to the Seniors for Medical Transportation that is working well and because it is so in demand it is stressed to the "breaking point"
There is a limited service for Grocery shopping.
In checking out options that are available for seniors and disabled in the local area
mostly the City of Somerville, Cambridge and Medford (limited availability Malden residents) I talked to a representative of SCM about the services they provide and find that they are expanding services to meet the demands for better access to "giving the community a left" They have a service called "Paul Ride"
"They will take you somewhere instead and not limited to Drs Appointment.
617 625 1191

Since MSAC and the writer are supporters on this service we receive their news letter
and I would like to take THE points from the SCM Executive director Reed Cochran
It is another part of the puzzles facing Seniors.
"It should be easier to give up driving"
Many stories appear every day about elderly drivers in tragic driving accidents
Our State calls for mandatory driver testing for the elderly.
Unfortunately this response alone would not fully solve the problem
The real question at hand is: How do we provide reasonable transportation options to
those who can neither drive, nor easily navigate public transportation, nor afford
a taxi (IF ONE IS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL SERVICE)
Now not only around the country but right here in Malden citizens who fall into this category are dependent on the generosity of family friends, neighbors as well as under-funded Council on Aging in order to get out and about.
(We have some non profits who should and promise to provide service but come up short with a program no "warm bodies" volunteers)
Im Malden the Vans are always fully booked up getting Seniors to medical appointments.
We all have tragically few transportation options if we wish to age with dignity in our homes and also maintain an enjoyable lifestyle.Visits to friends, theaters, library's, shopping malls OR THE POLLS Should not be coveted luxuries.
Inconvenient bus stops to our Malden Downtown area for a difficult treacherous walk especially on stormy days.
Transportation for all of us as we age is not just a convenience. It is a critical link back to our communities and vital to our ability to control our own lives.
Rather than spending money making it difficult for seniors to drive, why not spend it making it easier for them to give up driving?
Councils on Aging, community transportation agencies, and even for profit companies should be working to create inexpensive options that span 24 hours and all kinds of destinations.
Policy makers might spend their dollars funding organizations-across sectors- that can solve the larger problem.
AS LONG AS NOT DRIVING MEANS BEING STRANDED, WE ARE SURE SENIORS ALL ARE GOING TO TRY TO STAY BEHIND THE WHEEL
Posted by marine41 at
1.

TRANSPORTATION FOR SENIORS TO DOWNTOWN

I would tike to inform you that we are having a meeting to plan what our Metro North Chapter can do about gaining easy access to the Down Town Area
When we spoke to you Ken Goldstein ,president to the chapter and me we understood you would get back to us by phone.
I did not hear from you in answer to my follow up. Since we are having a meeting on the Transportation Issue on Wed. April 23 at 557 Pleasant Street he would like to hear from you to discuss your input
KENNETH GOLDSTEIN 781-665-3004
If you get a chance I would appreciate you impression of the program Geriatic Center before May Senior Building Committee Meeting
e-mail OK
maldensenior@gmail.com

http://maldenseniortransportaion.blogspot.com


Malden Senior Transportation
Because of the change in Malden MBTA Bus Routes and Stops moving from the Main Shopping and Recreation Service Areas a problem has been created for the Elderly and Disabled to get easy access.
We at Mass Senior Action (a senior advocacy group) ask what is available for Seniors to get easy and safe access?
We must improve service promised by the area non-profits who are getting Federal, State, and Local GRANTS for this purpose.
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS must be offered training to provide accessible, affordable, reliable, safe and barrier free transportation. IMPROVE PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE. ex;taxi Cab Service. limo service.
Change in MBTA routes around the City of Malden by passing the area seniors frequent makes it necessary to get a guide for creating safe and walkable community
(As suggested up on the study made for a walkable city)
Research also tells us that only 3% of the senior population uses public transportation. WHY?
Those same limitation that made driving difficult for Seniors to use public and para transit services
Several Comments on why our elderly and disabled cannot get to Downtown Malden using public transportation.
"I can't even walk to the john".
"I have a knee problem and walking a great distance is a problem"
"I have a problem carrying loads"
"No close transportation, poor locations of stops and a have to walk several blocks"
Summary
SERVICE NOT SENIOR DISABLED FRIENDLY AND IS INADQUATE
Posted by Malden S
Reply Reply to all Forward


Debbie Burke to me
show details Apr 10 (11 days ago) Reply


Hi Howard:

I have been out of the office more than I have been in this week. I can probably give you a call tomorrow after 11 a.m. I have attempted and the Mayor has attempted as well to answer your questions about the buses. In balancing ALL of the downtown needs this was the appropriate solution that still kept the squre accessible but which removes congestion from the square at the same time. We are looking at a shuttle system run by Chris DiPietro’s dept to augment the mbta and get people to and from the senior center. We can continue the dialogue, but again I think you need to work with us and I am sure we can fix all the bugs, but we need to get the center open first, Debbie Burke

We may have a solution to travel problems for seniors especially thoe forced to give up driving. The Secretary of Elders Affairs Massachusetts is promising to direct monies for improving travel issues for Seniors thru contributions to Council of Aging directly.

Malden Senior Transportation

Because of the change in Malden MBTA Bus Routes and Stops moving from the Main Shopping and Recreation Service Areas a problem has been created for the Elderly and Disabled to get easy access.
We at Mass Senior Action (a senior advocacy group) ask what is available for Seniors to get easy and safe access?
We must improve service promised by the area non-profits who are getting Federal, State, and Local GRANTS for this purpose.
TRANSPORTATION PROVIDERS must be offered training to provide accessible, affordable, reliable, safe and barrier free transportation. IMPROVE PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE. ex;taxi Cab Service. limo service.
Change in MBTA routes around the City of Malden by passing the area seniors frequent makes it necessary to get a guide for creating safe and walkable community
(As suggested up on the study made for a walkable city)
Research also tells us that only 3% of the senior population uses public transportation. WHY?
Those same limitation that made driving difficult for Seniors to use public and para transit services
Several Comments on why our elderly and disabled cannot get to Downtown Malden using public transportation.
"I can't even walk to the john".
"I have a knee problem and walking a great distance is a problem"
"I have a problem carrying loads"
"No close transportation, poor locations of stops and a have to walk several blocks"
Summary
SERVICE NOT SENIOR DISABLED FRIENDLY AND IS INADQUATE