The classifieds in this issue offer a diverse group of jobs including a transit general manager and several other executive positions!

The passage of ADA 20 years ago was both exciting and scary for those of us working on paratransit within a transit agency.

Before ADA, I had been told that paratransit did not belong in a transit agency and I should work elsewhere. I heard a high-level manager say, “Families should just take care of disabled people at home.” But that changed with the enactment of ADA, and I remember being happily surprised when an operator refused to take out a bus with a bad wheelchair lift because one of his customers needed the lift.

Now the combination of other requirements in ADA and the transportation provided by an accessible fixed route system and complementary paratransit service has dramatically improved the ability of persons with disabilities to lead a normal life. It is not perfect, but it is a lot better and can continue to improve.

While we can’t say exactly what transportation resources will be available in 20 years, we can make some educated guesses. Most fixed route buses will have low floors and easy-to-use mobility device securements. Information about when your bus will arrive at your stop will be readily available. Paratransit service technology will improve to the point that we will likely be able to communicate with and track individuals, even when they are off the vehicle, making no-shows rare.

Coordination will exist among local ADA, Medicaid, and social service paratransit operators, making more resources available and reducing vehicle miles traveled and the overall carbon footprint. Carpooling will become more popular and easy to use, even for people with special needs. Progress will continue.

Access Transportation provides paratransit service for King County Metro Transit, using contractors who operate shared ride vans.

 

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