[tabi] Interesting response on facebook from Star Metro to the WFSU interview
- From: Lighthouse of the Big Bend <lighthousebigbend@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: tabi <tabi@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:43:11 -0400
Thought you might be interested in this interesting response on
facebook from Star Metro to the WFSU interview with Ron Garrison
stating only 12 people are complaining about the issue:
Lighthouse post:
Concerns over bus route changes? Make your voice heard by calling
891-5283 or email nova2010project@xxxxxxxxxx
Mon at 4:10pm
This morning (10/26) several staff at the Lighthouse heard an
interview on WFSU National Public Radio with Ron Garrison about the
Star Metro bus route changes. Regarding the concerns with the bus
changes, (loosely paraphrased) Mr. Garrison said, "There are about 500
people who are elderly or disabled who are regular riders. Of those
500, about 150 are being inconvenienced, and Star Metro is only
hearing from 12 of those people, so the problem may be exaggerated."
Because many people have been sharing their situation with Lighthouse
staff members, we know that many more than 12 people are concerned
about the changes. However, apparently only a dozen or so are actually
going to the Star Metro 'Listening Sessions' or expressing their
concerns in a way that Star Metro is documenting.
As you know, Star Metro can't address a concern if people don't let
them know about the concern. Therefore, if you have concerns please
make your voice heard officially by calling their designated Nova2010
Hotline, (850) 891-5283 or via email to nova2010project@xxxxxxxxxx .
Otherwise, Ron Garrision and the rest of Star Metro & the City of
Tallahassee may go on thinking that only 12 people have enough of a
concern with it to make their voices heard.
Take care,
Lighthouse of the Big Bend
Guiding People Through Vision Loss
1286 Cedar Center Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 942-3658
-----------------
From Owen B. McCaul Since StarMetro is not really listening, it might
be best to go ahead and contact the city commission directly.
Yesterday at 8:27am ·
-----------------
From StarMetro Transit
Lighthouse of the Big Bend and Mr. McCaul - We've obtained and
listened to the short NPR interview with Ron Garrison, StarMetro
Executive Director, and Tom Flanigan, WFSU.
Mr. Garrison clearly stated, "Let us say that we have 500 people that
are elderly and disabled that use the service regularly. Of these 500,
there is probably 150, theoretically, that this [Nova2010
decentralization] impacts in some way. And, the people that are
speaking out that have a major concern, it's about 12 people." Break.
"So, we make some changes to deal with those [12 people that have a
major concern with decentralization]. Then, you have another 500 who
don't use the system now, because it's not a viable system. It doesn't
connect correctly. And, those 500 people who will now be able to use
the system that are elderly and disabled that couldn't before. Now,
they'll have independence. Now, they'll be able to get around.'
Between January 1 and December 31, 2008, StarMetro provided 4.2
million trips. Of those 4.2 million trips, disabled persons accounted
for 52,949 trips and seniors accounted for 89,078 of those trips.
Roughly, the disabled/senior community accounted for 3.4% of the total
yearly trips in 2008. If the customer groups described only used
StarMetro five days a week, the following would apply:
There are approximately 251 or more service days a year, depending on
the Holiday schedule. Dividing 142,027 by 251 yields 590 daily trips
or boardings. Since going to a particular destination requires two
boardings, goint to the destination and returning, dividing 590 trips
by 2 yeilds the maximum daily count of 295 seniors and disabled
persons. The actual number of regular riders from these two groups may
be significantly lower, if the customer groups took any additional
trips during the weekend or more than one round trip per weekday,
which is typically the case.
Therefore, the example of daily ridership of 500 regular
senior/disabled persons is actually an over statement versus an
intimated error. This shows the Nova2010 concept is actually better
for a larger portion of these customer groups.
Parenthetically, there are nine subsidized senior and disabled housing
centers in Tallahassee. All nine are within 500 feet of the concept
Nova2010 route structure with only one, Miccosukee Hills, having
access problems due to the design of the development. StarMetro
Planning Staff is working with Public Works to address these access
concerns. In addition, all nine will receive better or more frequent
service under Nova2010 with one, Gibb Mabry Village, looking to
receive significantly better service, as route service would move from
Mabry Street to directly in front of the establishment. Gibb Mabry
Village would also go from one hour to 15 minute service during the
peak periods.
----------------
From Owen B. McCaul So... what you're saying is... the numbers say it
is okay to disenfranchise the poor, the elderly and the disabled?
--
Lighthouse of the Big Bend
Guiding People Through Vision Loss
1286 Cedar Center Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 942-3658
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