Trimess

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Michael Levine on the lift problems

TriMet once again discriminates by actions against people with disabilities...
TriMet is in violation of the ADA on several fronts. First, the ADA is clear that paratransit rides cannot be prioritized; fact the ADA is clear that TriMet cannot even ask the purpose of a ride, thus the prioritizing TriMet is doing is in conflict with two guidelines not meeting the minimum standard of the ADA.


Further if TriMet would have brought the operators in house at a savings of millions of dollars according to the outside agreed upon agency that compared in house LIFT service versus contracted service, again at a savings in house – if the operators were in house they would not be on strike. TriMet management has been attacking its most vulnerable LIFT Paratransit customers for years raising fares to levels that are a financial strain and this month the board is scheduled to vote on a cut to LIFT service; leaving LIFT paratransit service contracted has also left LIFT riders missing work, meetings etc…

TriMet’s General Manager Neil McFarlane needs to stop with the GOD like attitude that he can direct TriMet in immoral practices removing mandated service from LIFT riders in deceptive manners. And, he must as the TriMet GOD or so he thinks figure out right now how to deliver mandated paratransit service to all Lift customers and immediately stop asking the purpose of their rides and immediately stop prioritizing their rides…

Someone needs to tell Neil that TriMet must meet minimum standards of the ADA as he keeps using the ADA standards as a means to raise fares and reduce LIFT paratransit service, he cannot have it both ways!

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