Inspiration

"There are times when the train is so crowded I can't get on. There are times where it’s very difficult for me to find the right spot to get on the train."

_Peter, his wife, Erika, a last-minute welcome addition, and I drive to the place and score a great parking spot. “Piece of cake,” I think. Then I balk at the wide, steep ramp going down to businesses below. Peter descends to do reconnaissance. No luck. I ask a passerby. No idea. Peter descends again and returns with bad news. “There’s no way around steps.”

Moreover, having the ability to choose to travel to more potential destinations generally signals greater mobility—and the reverse results in lower mobility. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11420/)

Two passengers, one who uses a wheelchair, and the other, who has impaired vision and uses a guide dog, share their stories of how the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System is convenient for them to use to get around town. The riders discuss using the bus to commute to work and attend sporting events. They cite helpful features such as the wheelchair ramps, Compass card smart card, the height and location of the ticket stations and the universal accessibility of all the buses.(http://www.metro-magazine.com/accessibility/news/290909/disabled-riders-find-san-diego-fixed-route-easy-to-use)

Transportation options in King County

Regular fixed route buses

Lift or ramp equipped. 2 securement areas (forward facing). 4-point securement. Lift indicator strip or button when getting off. Varied surfaces at stops – not all are able to receive a lift. Drivers can ask passengers near the front to move but they cannot make them. Pay with a pass or cash. Weight and size limitations: 30 inches wide, 52 inches long, and under 600 pounds. Visit http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/bus/how-to-ride/.

Metro’s Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART)

Available to everyone. Supplements the Metro bus routes in some areas. Allows you to arrange for transit service closer to a location. Uses vans that can go off regular routes to pick up and drop off passengers within a defined service area, DART service may DART does not go door-to-door. It operates on a fixed schedule, but one that has more flexibility than regular Metro Transit buses. When you call for a reservation, be prepared with the locations of where you want to start and where you want to go. The reservationist will determine if you are in the service area of a DART route and will tell you when and where to meet the van. The pick-up or drop-off point does not need to be a regular bus stop, and it may not be right at your desired location. You are asked to be at the designated location at the given pick-up time. Call ahead to schedule 1-866-261-DART. NOT door to door. Visit http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/bus/dart/dartinfo.html.

Bus Rapid Transit—(Metro Rapid Ride, Community Transit “Swift”)

A new, growing network of fast bus routes designed for heavily used transit corridors. More like a train. Available to everyone. Moves more people more quickly. Uses signal controls, bus only lanes, curb bulbs. 3 doors (lift entry at the front.) Pay before boarding or at front. No schedule – next bus posted at some stops. Same cost as regular bus. Now at Federal Way to Seatac – A line (connects to light rail). Going to Redmond/Bellevue next – B line. B line will have “passive restraint” (rear facing, securement by driver optional) Visit http://metro.kingcounty.gov/travel-options/bus/rapidride/.

Metro Access (ADA Paratransit system)

For those whose disability prevents use of a regular bus some or all of the time. Runs the same hours and same areas as the Metro buses. Eligibility: -Call 206-263-3113 for pre-application. -Evaluation at “Getting there” Transportation Resource Center, Harborview Medical Center (If referred for evaluation) -If you are denied, you can appeal. -Need to re-apply every 3 years. $1.25 each way; $2.50 round trip. Cash only. Drivers do not carry change. Shared ride. Approved Personal Care Attendant (PCA) rides free. For any transportation needs, not just medical appointments. NOT “same day” transportation. NOT always the fastest or best option. NOT able to change route. Visit http://metro.kingcounty.gov/tops/accessible/paratransit.html.

Taxi (wheelchair accessible)

Height limit: 56 inches. Started as a pilot project by King County to provide cabs with wheelchair accessibility. Now is permanent and growing. Top 10% of applicants selected for the lottery (free license for city/county after 5 years). Drivers receive special training, random drug testing. Cab drivers are independent contractors and make their own schedules. Response time varies but has goals to improve to 20 min. Accept Taxi Scrip. Yellow cab 206-622-6500 Farwest 206-622-1717 Green Cab 206-575-4040 STITA (airport only) 206-246-9980

South Lake Union Streetcar

Connects downtown Seattle to South Lake Union. Call 206-553-3000 or visit http://www.seattlestreetcar.org/. Link Light Rail Light rail transit system serving the Seattle metropolitan area operated by Sound Transit, a transit agency formed by King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties Visit http://www.soundtransit.org/Rider-Guide/Link-light-rail.xml.

Senior Shuttle (HYDE Shuttle) Neighborhood shuttle system run by Senior Services of King County. Available Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM only. Free. Donations accepted. Eligibility: -People 55 and over. -Adults with a disability. No application required. Sign up on the phone, 206-727-6262. Available in Federal Way, Renton, Seatac/Tukwila, Burien/Highline, Des Moines/Normandy Park, Shoreline/Lake Forest Park, SnoqualmieValley, East Central Seattle, Northeast Seattle, Northwest Seattle, Southwest Seattle, Southeast Seattle, West Central Seattle. Visit http://www.seniorservices.org/transportation/Home.aspx.

Senior Volunteer Transportation

For medical appointments only. Free. Donations accepted. You must be able to get in and out of a car independently. Volunteer drivers, using their own vehicles. Call 206-282-5815 or visit http://www.seniorservices.org/transportation/Home.asp

Hopelink

Transportation broker for individuals who have DSHS/Medicaid/MAID/Medical Coupon insurance. Only for qualifying medical appointments paid for by DSHS. Transportation method varies by circumstances—it may be gas vouchers or bus passes. Call 800-923-7433 or visit http://www.hope-link.org/. Other options Contact your church, medical center, senior center or cultural center to find out if they offer any transportation assistance programs

Problems:

• steep ramps;
• no curbs;
• unknown elevation on the route;
• construction / closed sidewalks;
• elevators (in buildings) - working / out of service;
• high commuter times,
• accessible bus stops,
• no space for a wheelchair passenger in the bus.

Wheelchair types: Assistive Devices for Ambulation – items to help you when walking – cane, crutches, and walkers Manual wheelchair – including chair with moveable wheels to improve your ability to self-propel as well as chairs designed to be pushed by someone else. Power Assist Devices – devices added to manual wheelchairs to make it easier for the wheelchair rider to get around. Scooters – three wheeled (some are available with 4 wheels) devices with a tiller for steering, which help in getting around, but do not look like a wheelchair.Power Wheelchairs – Front wheel, Mid wheel and Rear wheel drive options, controlled through a joystick or an alternate control device and available with multiple seating options including power seating.