Linkages: Organization for the Disabled
Submitted by:
Tom Bush
For people with disabilities and the elderly, access to improved transportation is not just a matter of enhanced mobility — it can also mean living a life of higher quality and, in some cases, the difference between life and death. I have a disability, and I’m voting for the RTA plan for the following reasons:
Less road congestion, upgraded intersections and more bus pullouts mean faster fire and emergency services for those who cannot leave their homes or are involved in accidents
More accessible buses with extended routes, greater frequency and longer service hours enable more efficient travel around our communities and, for some of us, the only means to get to and from a job
Extended paratransit services enlarge the range of mobility for doctor’s appointments, shopping for necessities, and available recreation events
More sidewalks and pathways help improve movement within neighborhoods, access to transit services, and being able to use parks and greenways
Assisting volunteers with reimbursed travel expenses offset the need for even greater paratransit services and at far less cost
More frequent buses mean spending less time waiting in oppressive heat and cold
All road and transit enhancements help those of us who work or volunteer on a regular basis get to our place of employment or volunteer job
For the reasons listed above and the many others you might add, I’m urging you to “Vote Yes on Questions 1 & 2”. Transportation is an area where we all can find common ground — let’s join together in support of this great need — not only for ourselves, but for our kids and grandkids in the generations to come.
