Emily Keller-O'Donnell, Journalist

MTA Approves Plans to Cut Subway, Bus and Access-A-Ride

    The Board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority passed a budget and financial plan that would shrink service options for disabled riders beginning in April 2010.

    The service cuts are similar to those that were approved and then rescinded earlier this year when the state government provided a $2.3 billion annual funding package.

     However, the paratransit cuts have changed. In lieu of the proposed fare hike that drew strong criticism, the MTA has proposed changing the nature of the service, bringing customers to accessible subway and bus stops rather than their destinations.

    This article was published on Transportation Access. Click here to read the article.

Transportation Accessibility Resources

The following resources provide additional information about transportation accessibility. Click on the report titles to visit sites where you can view or download the reports.

"Review of Route Identification and Station Announcements," The Federal Transit Administration, report on the Long Island Rail Road in Jamaica, New York, October 17, 2008.

"Transportation Accessibility: Lack of Data and Limited Enforcement Options Limit Federal Oversight," The U.S. Government Accountability Office, September 19, 2007.

"Welcome Aboard: Accessibility at the MTA," The Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, October 2008.

"Access-A-Ride: With More Riders, Costs Are Rising Sharply," The Independent Budget Office of the City of New York, September 2006.

"ADA Complementary Paratransit Service Compliance Review," The Federal Transit Administration, report on New York City Transit, October 22, 2004.

"New York City’s Access-A-Ride Program: Costs and Funding Sources," The Independent Budget Office of the City of New York, February 8, 2002.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is the law that requires transit providers to offer accessible transportation to customers who are unable to use buses, subways or rail services because of a disability.

Controversy Over Handcycle Use in Marathon

    A three-wheel mobility device that sits low to the ground and is powered by an athlete's arms has become the subject of great controversy at the New York City Marathon.

    Handcycles, which draw more disabled participants to the marathon than push-rim wheelchairs, remained in a limbo position this year when the athletes who use them received substantially lower prize money than other athletes.

    Published in Able News. Click here to read page one. Click here to read page two.

Athletes with Disabilities Compete in N.Y. Marathon

    More than 250 athletes with disabilities competed in the New York City Marathon Nov. 1, 200 of which were Achilles Track Club members.

    According to the New York Road Runners Club, the nonprofit organization that manages the race, 50 push-rim wheelchair athletes crossed the finish line.

    Published in Able News. Click here to read page one. Click here to read page two.

Advocates See Improvements With House Bill

    The U.S. House of Representatives passed a landmark bill Nov. 7 that promises more choices and greater access to services for people with disabilities.

    The Affordable Health Care for America Act, or H.R. 3962, is expected to expand health care coverage to an additional 5 percent of Americans - or 40 million people - and to improve existing coverage, for a cost of $891 billion. The House passed the bill with a vote of 220-215.

    Published in Able News. Click here to read the article.