MARTA votes to privatize paratransit service

[arjay57]

Seems like there have to be better solutions to helping the disabled.

We were over at Emory the other day and three people (who were not in wheelchairs and were not having huge difficulties walking) came out and climbed on the paratransit bus. They were moving slow but could have gotten on a regular bus with a little assistance or used an Uber vehicle.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by arjay57

Seems like there have to be better solutions to helping the disabled.

We were over at Emory the other day and three people (who were not in wheelchairs and were not having huge difficulties walking) came out and climbed on the paratransit bus. They were moving slow but could have gotten on a regular bus with a little assistance or used an Uber vehicle.

Sounds like you have an idea for a private business.

[cqholt]

The company that runs MARTA’s paratransit service for the elderly and the disabled could lose the job because of concerns over minority contracting.


Last week the MARTA Board of Directors voted to allow CEO Jeffrey Parker to search for a new company to operate its paratransit service, which is currently run by Dallas-based MV Transportation.

https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt-...V4M9N/amp.html

[seussie]

To people who don’t need it, it comes down to cost. But unless Uber and Lyft are going to modify cars to accommodate all forms of disabilities, this is tragic and upsetting. I have a paralyzed family member that needs accompanying ramps and aisle widths. Just lost a lot of faith in MARTA when it comes to decisions beyond the buck. They might have done better to ask Lyft or Uber for software assistance to address more consistently and organize more dependably their pool rides.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

Privatization no matter how dressed up and articulated as the concept may be...does not work if there is no real competition to keep the company in line. Especially when political hijinks and good ol' boy cronyism is involved.

And in the case of MARTA, all that privatization amounts to...is simply replacing one monopoly with another. For an undetermined amount of time, depending on how the contract is written (where the devil is truly in the details).

And it is still being done on the backs on the least of us.

But "might makes right" I suppose...so who cares these days, right?

Theoretically it should produce better, cheaper service.

With the corruption that so permeates the Atlanta area, there is reason to be skeptical.

But this could use Uber and Lyft for many rides. It would no longer be one size fits all. Wheelchair lifts would only be required for certain customers. They could use more ubiquitous alternatives for most riders.

[CaliDreaming01]

I am worried about this. I have not seem many good examples of privatization. What usually happens is that private businesses end up making a ton of profit providing even crappier service than the government did. Providing a great service means they make less profit, so the service always ends up being worse.

[cqholt]

Originally Posted by bu2

Theoretically it should produce better, cheaper service.

With the corruption that so permeates the Atlanta area, there is reason to be skeptical.

But this could use Uber and Lyft for many rides. It would no longer be one size fits all. Wheelchair lifts would only be required for certain customers. They could use more ubiquitous alternatives for most riders.

Are the paratransit drivers trained in CPR vs TNC drivers? Is getting in and out of a sedan difficult for paratransit users?
Over 50% of MARTA paratransit riders are to/from dialysis centers.

[toll_booth]

As I remember there were some serious problems with the paratransit that forced MARTA's hand. Privatizing this service was determined to be the solution. However this means that the hired company needs to be legit.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by bu2

But this could use Uber and Lyft for many rides. It would no longer be one size fits all. Wheelchair lifts would only be required for certain customers. They could use more ubiquitous alternatives for most riders.

That to me seems critical. Not all disabled people are the same, not by a long shot.

Obviously the typical Uber vehicle is not suitable for someone who needs a ramp and/or wheelchair lift.

On the other hand, I've seen plenty of folks using the paratransit service who can walk around and get in and out of a car like most anyone else. They may be a little slower and they need some assistance, but they don't need a specialized vehicle.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by arjay57

That to me seems critical. Not all disabled people are the same, not by a long shot.

Obviously the typical Uber vehicle is not suitable for someone who needs a ramp and/or wheelchair lift.

On the other hand, I've seen plenty of folks using the paratransit service who can walk around and get in and out of a car like most anyone else. They may be a little slower and they need some assistance, but they don't need a specialized vehicle.

Yes. I've seen school kids ride it who don't have physical limitations that require ramps/lifts.