Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer Urges MTA Not To Raise Access-A-Ride Fares on Elderly and Disabled New Yorkers

Access - A- Rice Bus outside of Roosevelt Island's 455 Main Street

Received this message from Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer:

Dear Friends:

You may already be aware of the MTA’s troubling proposal to double the Access-A-Ride fare. The magnitude of the MTA’s budget crisis will require exploring all realistic options to close the gap; however, this proposal places an unfair burden on some of our city’s most vulnerable riders.

I am calling on the MTA to withdraw this proposal. I hope you will join me by signing the petition at this link: http://www.petitiononline.com/mbpo/petition.html and encouraging your friends, colleagues and fellow advocates to do the same. A PDF version is attached for you to distribute at meetings, at your organization, or to anyone who may appreciate a print copy. Please make sure to return all signed petitions to my office at 1 Centre Street, 19^th Floor for delivery to the MTA.

If you have any question, please contact Jessica Silver, my Deputy Director of Community Affairs and Constituent Services, at (212) 669-8135 or via email at jsilver@manhattanbp.org.

There are many elderly and disabled Roosevelt Island residents who benefit from this service provided by the MTA. Accorded to Mr. Stringer:

... The Access-A-Ride program helps the MTA meet the requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which requires that transit agencies provide “comparable” paratransit service to passengers who are unable to use standard public transit. Thousands of people with disabilities depend on Access-a-Ride to get to the doctor, the grocery store and to work....

More from NY 1 including video of press conference by elected representatives and a guide to the MTA Access-A- Ride program.