Paratransit Advisory Committee (PAC)
By Denise Ann McQuade, public information coordinator

At the January 2006 meeting, AAR Vice President Thomas Charles discussed late pick-ups and carrier no-shows; how carriers are penalized for too many late pick-ups and no-shows; and plans for service improvement including buying more vehicles and promoting subscription service. The March meeting focused on the complaint process; a new more equitable late cancellation and no-show policy; new carrier contracts and the requirement that reservations for late-night (between midnight and 4 a.m.) reservations be made two days in advance. Dorothy Doran, executive director of the Staten Island Center for Independent Living, replaced The Lighthouse’s Martin Yablonski, who resigned in November 2005. The Chicago Paratransit Taxi Voucher System was the subject of the May meeting. In July, Mr. Charles announced contracts for new carriers: All Transit in Rockaway, Advance in the Bronx and Transcare Ambulette and Progressive in Brooklyn, all starting the week of Labor Day. "In looking at new contracts," commented Mr. Charles, "I want them to be flexible so they can address problems on the road. This includes dispatch and operations on-the-road."

To contact the PAC, write to Stephanie L. White, chair c/o D. A. Mc Quade, 130 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 or e-mail c/o Denise.McQuade@nyct.com.