Paratransit Advisory Committee (PAC) Update

Lucy Birgilia, chairperson

Regretfully, this is my last communication with you. I am moving out of state and have resigned my position as chair of the Paratransit Advisory Committee. It has been my privilege to serve on the committee.

During my tenure on the committee we have worked with MTA New York City Transit to improve communication access for customers who are visually impaired and require written information in large print, audiotape or Braille. You will notice that On The Move is in large print. This makes it easier for everyone to read. Previously, only those customers who specifically requested large print received it.

Committee members have tested new vehicles and recommended changes; these recommendations will be included in the design of new vehicles. Based upon customer requests, the PAC asked NYC Transit to start the 30-minute waiting period at the scheduled pick-up time rather than five minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.

The PAC sought greater flexibility in subscription service by allowing customers to have one-day subscriptions. Formerly, subscription service was only available to customers who traveled to and from the same location at the same time three days a week. The PAC was also involved in changing the one-to-four day advance reservation period to one-to-two days.

Another PAC success was the creation of designated pick-up/drop-off locations. The sites have made it easier for customers and carriers to connect with each other. (See AAR Designated Pick-Up Locations article.) At the request of the PAC, NYC Transit now monitors events where 10 or more customers will be in attendance.

Since my last update, Lisa Gesson, Mike Godino, and Tracey Mitchell resigned from the PAC. We thank them for their contributions and wish them success in their future endeavors. The PAC selection committee, composed of Vice President Howard S. Ende, Paratransit Division; Stephanie L. White, PAC vice chair; T.K. Small, Esq., systems advocacy coordinator, New York State Independent Living Council; Matthew Sapolin, director of the Mayor�s Office for People with Disabilities; and I, selected Rosalyn Feder, Cantor Doctor Mindy J. Fliegelman, Barbara Peterson , and John Moynihan t o fill vacancies on the PAC. In addition, Ken Stewart and Dorothy Doran were selected as standbys to fill subsequent vacancies on the committee.
The PAC has existed for two years. We have worked closely and cooperatively with AAR staff. We believe that we have made significant contributions to the recent improvements in AAR service. I am confident that the committee and the staff of AAR will continue to work together to improve the service.

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