Access Advisory Committee to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA. 02116-3968 Voice: 617-973-7100, Fax: 617-973-8855, TDD: 671-973- 7089, E-mail: [email protected]
AACT Membership Meeting Minutes Wednesday, July 23, 2014 Board of Directors:
Chairman - James F. White Vice Chairman - Rick E. Morin Executive Board Mary Ann Murray Ian Perrault Beverly Ann Rock Lisa Weber
Notables The AACT Executive Board will meet from 10:00 AM to noon and the Membership meeting will be conducted from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on the fourth Wednesday of the month, except when noted.
AACT has a page on the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) website at www.bostonmpo.org; click on “Get Involved” then scroll down to “Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA.”
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Links can be found there for the following items: agendas, upcoming meetings, past meeting minutes, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MBTA and AACT, and the AACT bylaws, and ADA regulations.
There are also links to the MPO’s newsletter, TRANSREPORT, and information on accessibility at the MBTA. This page includes the contact information for the AACT Coordinator.
Comments and questions concerning AACT should be directed to the Chairman James White by contacting the AACT Coordinator, Ms. Janie Guion, at 617-973-7507 (voice); 617-973-7089 (TTY); 617-973-8855 (fax); [email protected] (email); or at c/o CTPS, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA 02116 (mail).
The AACT meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities and is near public transportation. Upon request (preferably two weeks in advance of the meeting), every effort will be made to provide accommodations such as assistive listening devices, materials in accessible formats and in languages other than English, and interpreters in American Sign Language and other languages. Please contact the MPO staff at 617-973-7100 (voice), 617-973-7089 (TTY), 617-973-8855 (fax), or [email protected].
The MPO complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal and state non- discrimination statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. The
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MPO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, English proficiency, income, religious creed, ancestry, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or military service. Any person who believes herself/himself or any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI, ADA, or other non-discrimination statute or regulation may, herself/himself or via a representative, file a written complaint with the MPO. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days after the date on which the person believes the discrimination occurred. A complaint form and additional information can be obtained by contacting the MPO (see above) or at www.bostonmpo.org.
Members needing service information or wanting to inquire about MBTA services should do so through the MBTA Marketing and Communications Department at 617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday/Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, or the MBTA website at www.mbta.com/customer_support/feedback/.
Please sign in at all meetings.
Announcements are always welcome. Please be prepared to give as many details as possible: date, time, location, contact person, and phone number. A written notice is always appreciated.
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Meeting opened at 1:05 PM
Reading of the Agenda
Introductions Attendees: Deanne Sisco, Esther Minor, Nancy Miller, Cheryl Ravalli, Linda Sinclair, David Hogan, Theadora Fisher, John Lozada. Also Lisa Weber, James White, Rick Morin, Mary Ann Murray Beverly Ann Rock
MBTA Staff: Mike Hulak, Frank Oglesby, Larry Haile, Kenneth Green, Carol Joyce- Harrington
Vendor Staff: Ronan Coatanea, Rita Hardiman, Victor Herrera, Barnet Nkugwa, Jon Cristina, Jacqualyn Reynolds
MPO Staff: Janie Guion and Catherine Dubreck
Approval of Minutes
Chairman White requested a motion to approve the meeting minutes for June 25. A motion was made and carried.
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Chairman’s Report
The Chair stated the following:
• He attended a passenger assistant training (PAT) and bus recertification class in July, and will be attending another PAT on July 24. • The AACT Executive Board unanimously approved a letter concerning AACT’s involvement with THE RIDE Eligibility Center (TREC). (See attached letter.) • He noted the Office of Transportation Access (OTA) displayed models of their new vans and sedans at 10 Park Plaza today and noted that the Board meeting dismissed early to take part in the inspection. • He reminded members that THE RIDE core service area has been expanded to Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville. All customers in these areas may now call any of the three RIDE service providers to book a trip within the Core area. Chelsea and Burlington are now served directly by Veterans Transportation (VT) and Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS). Wilmington will be served by GLSS. The MBTA has updated its No-Show policy. A soft launch of the policy has been in effect since July and will run through September 30th to get customers acclimated to the policy. AACT has been involved in the updating of the policy.
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Federal Programs (ADA Transition Plan) MassDOT – Office of Diversity and Civil Rights
MassDOT has embarked on a comprehensive self-review to determine the extent to which people with disabilities may be restricted from accessing its facilities and services. John Lozada, Manager of Federal Programs for the MassDOT Office of Diversity and Civil Rights, provided an update on the activities of the agency’s ADA/Section 504 Interim Transition Plan Working Group at the July meeting of the Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA (AACT). The link to the Interim Transition Plan may be found here: http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/OfficeofCivilRights/ADA.aspx
Mr. Lozada, who is co-chair of the Transition Plan Working Group with David Anderson, MassDOT Deputy Chief Engineer, discussed several aspects of the review. One involves inventorying approximately 50,000 sidewalk curb ramps on MassDOT owned property. His staff has already visited about 20,000 curb ramp locations, using a software tool to record images and take measurements of the ramps. The next steps involve prioritizing which ramps to focus improvements upon first. The prioritization system takes into account the technical noncompliance of each ramp and the extent to which it provides access to public buildings, hospitals, transportation and/or other locations where access for the public is important. He noted that the ADA Working Group has also developed a range of policies and procedures including some to give notice of rights, address complaints, construct compliant curb ramps and install accessible pedestrian signals.
The Transition Plan Working Group is starting to evaluate accessibility at Registry of Motor Vehicle sites and will also address highway service plaza
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and rest areas. They also are studying the extent to which snow and ice removal is an issue on MassDOT sidewalks, which will lead to work with fellow state agencies and municipalities to coordinate snow removal policies. He then asked for questions.
Chairman White inquired about information on the Casey Bridge impact on accessibility at Forest Hills Station. J. Lozada noted that he does not know the specifics to the Casey Bridge Overpass Project (CBOP). He did comment that he would do research for the contact person. He mentioned that the CBOP as its own website and an advisory board that has been meeting for a number of months.
A consumer appreciated the action taken to remove tree limbs that were hanging over the JFK walkway. He went on to say that still more needs to be done in that area. He commented that there should be an elevator in that location but would settle for a cover over the bridge now before the winter sets in. He was irritated that the state would consider making an accessible upgrade at the Chatham airport. J. Lozada noted that in this case the airport owner would be responsible for any accessible upgrades.
E. Minor commented that she lives in the South End and has noticed that sidewalks in certain locations have upgraded curb cuts while others near the same location have not been upgraded. J. Lozada responded that the South End is the jurisdiction of the City of Boston. He also explained that the city
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conducted an ADA assessment of curb cuts and noted that the areas with a high concentration were serviced first. He suggested that she call her local disability commissioner to find out about upgrades in her neighborhood.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Lozada for his presentation.
Deputy Chief Kenneth Green, Night Commander, MBTA Transit Police
Deputy Chief Green stated the following:
• The motorcycle units of the Transit Police have been issuing tickets to vehicles parked at bus stops at 10 Park Plaza.
• Between June 23 and July 23, the motorcycle units have issued 80 citations for illegally parked vehicles at bus stops where parking violations frequently occur.
• Transit Police made three major arrests at Quincy Center Station (QCS): one for receiving stolen property and drugs; one for assault and battery, dangerous weapons, disorderly conduct, and intimidation of a witness; and one for distribution of Class B drugs. He commented that plainclothes officers are monitoring QCS regularly.
He then asked for questions.
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Chairman White asked if Chief MacMillan will be retiring, which Deputy Chief Green confirmed. He also extended an invitation to Chief MacMillan to attend an AACT meeting before his departure.
A Consumer asked if MBTA police carry the drug-overdose antidote that is given to revive addicts. DC Green stated that it is under review.
Chairman White thanked Deputy Chief Green for his report.
MBTA Reports
MBTA System-Wide Accessibility Department (SWA) - Fixed Route Services
Larry Haile, SWA Coordinator, distributed his report.
Mr. Haile stated the following:
• SWA will have a table at Boston ADA Celebration Day.
He then asked for questions.
D. Hogan noted that an accessible fare gate at Arlington Station automatically locks during a fire alarm. He explained that this is a safety concern. Mr. Haile stated that people with mobility devices would still have means to safely exit the station via the fare gates. He noted that if MBTA staff is not present, a call box can be used.
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B.A. Rock inquired about the MBTA’s policy regarding individuals using private restrooms at stations. Mr. Haile stated that MBTA staff is required to honor reasonable requests, which would include requests made by individuals with medical cards stating their need for access to restrooms. He added he would reiterate this policy to MBTA staff.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Haile for his report.
Keolis Commuter Services
Rita Hardiman, Director of Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Disadvantage Business Enterprises (DBE), and Ronan Coatanea, Director of Customer Service
Ms. Hardiman stated the following:
• Keolis began operating the commuter rail service for the MBTA on July 1.
• The Customer Service call center is where passengers should first contact Keolis with problems and complaints. Ms. Hardiman’s office is responsible for ADA and Title VI compliance for passengers and the civil rights of Keolis employees.
• Keolis is still in an “assessment mode” in terms of fully understanding the system.
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They then asked for questions.
E. Minor stated that a commuter rail coach that was labelled as wheelchair accessible was too narrow for her mobility device. Chairman White noted that AACT inspected the new commuter rail coaches and determined that they were adequately wide; Ms. Hardiman believes the new coaches will be phased in.
MBTA Office for Transportation Access (OTA) -THE RIDE Program
Frank Oglesby, Deputy Director, submitted the OTA report and stated the following:
• On July 1, THE RIDE started a soft launch of its revised No Show/Late Cancellation Policy, which will run until September 30, 2014. This period is to acquaint customers with the mechanics of the policy without actual enforcement. Effective October 1, 2014, customers violating the policy will be warned and possibly suspended from service; repeated violations will result in longer suspensions.
• He thanked Philip Balcom of OTA and VT for providing accessible shuttles to the Esplanade after July 4th celebrations were moved to July 3.
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• Terminal B of Logan Airport will not be accessible to THE RIDE vehicles for door-to-door transportation due to height limitations. OTA is working with Massport on a resolution to this problem.
He then asked for questions. D. Hogan inquired about the policy for same-day service. Mr. Hulak stated that RIDE vendors currently accept approximately 50% of same day trip requests, but noted they cannot honor all requests and that there is reduced staff over the weekends.
Vice Chair Morin asked how many appeals there were in June. Ms. Harrington said that there was only one.
Chairman White and Vice Chair Morin raised concerns about RIDE customers potentially booking trips with multiple vendors on the same day. Vice Chair Morin noted that the new No Show/Late Cancellation policy may deter this, and he asked if OTA is taking further steps. Mr. Hulak stated that they currently are not, but the planned centralized call center will potentially solve this issue.
E. Minor asked why she had previously been able to schedule 5:30 AM drop-offs on Sundays but can no longer do so. M. Hulak stated that THE RIDE operates on the same schedule as the fixed-route system, and that previous early pickups were most likely possible because the vendor was making a special accommodation.
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Chairman White thanked Mr. Oglesby for his report. National Express (NE) Victor Herrera distributed his report and stated the following:
• Dates for PAT classes in August have not been finalized.
• Regarding same day trips, Mr. Herrera noted that the vendors want to provide the trips, and stated that it is his goal to provide more of them.
He then asked for questions.
Chairman White asked if ridership has increased since the RIDE fare reduction. Mr. Herrera stated that it has increased, and that the expansion of the core service area may have played a role. Mr. Hulak stated that ridership of THE RIDE increased 6.44% between June 2013 and June 2014. Chairman White thanked Mr. Herrera for his report.
Veterans Transportation (VT) Jon Cristina, Training Manager, distributed his report and announced passenger assistance trainings.
He then asked for questions. There were none. Chairman White thanked Mr. Cristina for his report.
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Greater Lynn Senior Services (GLSS) Jacqualyn Reynolds, MBTA Contract Relationship Manager, distributed her report and had no further updates.
She then asked for questions. N. Miller stated that notices are posted on the plastic panel located behind the driver in the new RIDE vehicles, and some drivers feel these obstruct their view. M. Hulak stated that if the notices are obstructing their view, they need to be taken down.
M.A. Murray stated that the front seat of the new vehicle tips, the door does not close tight enough, and she has been on several vehicles where the lift has broken. Mr. Hulak stated that seats on the right side of the vehicles are stationary, and OTA should be notified if an exception is found. He added that the doors can be adjusted under the warranty. He noted that operator error has often been the cause of problems with the lifts. J. Cristina stated that staff met with their repair center and were trained on the use of the new lift. They have posted operation information in the vans and given information to dispatch.
Chairman White thanked Ms. Reynolds for her report.
Open Discussion and Announcements M. Hulak stated that all RIDE vendors are aware of the correct address for the ADA Celebration Day. He stated that RIDE drivers provide door-to-door
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service and should not be escorting passengers beyond; drivers who do this do so of their own accord, and should not be doing so. Chairman White stated that Keolis should train its staff to identify persons with disabilities who may need assistance, particularly individuals with visual impairments. Mr. Coatanea stated that Keolis is working on this. L. Sinclair stated that VT drivers have a difficult time locating a particular area. Mr. Cristina stated that VT has a list of problem locations within their database. He stated that when there is a difficult-to-find location, they send a safety supervisor to the location to take pictures and make commentary so dispatch has a visual guide. He added that he will look into the address Ms. Sinclair mentioned. Mr. Hulak stated that customers can make comments when making the reservation and the dispatcher will give the driver instructions. E. Minor stated that MBTA buses will begin transporting school children in September. She asked how the MBTA plans to assist individuals with disabilities who will be sharing rides with these school children, particularly in the aspect of boarding. Chairman White stated that the MBTA’s recertification training has put an emphasis on preboarding. He stated when a bus is full of children they will go into Priority Dispatch Mode, but when it is not full the driver is supposed to politely ask riders to make room for individuals with disabilities. He added that if there are empty seats on a bus, individuals in mobility devices should be pre-boarded.
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Announcements
Chairman White announced the following: . The death of Elmer Bartel, longtime advocate for the disabled and a former Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, who served over 30 years under seven governors . July 24 ADA Celebration at Boston City Hall R. Morin announced the July 24 Gubernatorial Forum at the Perkin School for the Blind Meeting adjourned at 3:00 PM.
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