SAC MIN 1991-09-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ITEM 2 - Transportation Commissioner Anthony received a report from Gerald Haugh of SamTrans which was shared with the Commission. Mr. Haugh's letter stated that SamTrans recognizes that the paratransit system in San Mateo County is inadequate and that the County needs more than Rediwheels. They also have agreed to implement the use of taxis, which could start in January 1992 as a pilot program. The letter stated that SamTrans was seriously looking at the problem and is looking for solutions. SamTrans will be trying to define who will be eligible for different forms of transportation under the new ADA regulations. This issue is being worked on by SamTrans and will present big challenges. Commissioner Anthony felt that TRIPS has convinced SamTrans of the inadequate paratransit system offered in the County. He said that CID estimates that there are 30,000 people in San Mateo County in need of paratransit services. Chairperson Jordan mentioned that the final regulations for ADA came out last week in a 400 page document, which includes employment, structural , and transportation issues. He stated the regulations are very difficult to understand and it is very unclear about how the reguations will be implemented. He noted that the ADA calls for implementation in 6 years. He also said that he would obtain a 9 page summary of the regulations and copies would be forwarded to the Commissioners. Commissioner Lloyd reported on the types of transportation service provided at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center and noted that there is no wheelchair accessible transportation available. Insurance is still an issue for individuals using their own vehicles to help transport others. Commissioner Sharp reported on transportation service provided by the Fair Oaks Senior Center. She said that the Center has its own bus which is owned by AAA for trips to and from the Center. Maintenance of this bus is paid for by TEWCI. The bus takes 5-6 people per week to doctor appointments, 5-6 people per week for hospital trips, once a week visits to Social Security/Social Services, and makes daily shopping service trips. The Fair Oaks bus is used from 8:30-10:30am and 12:30-3:30pm on a daily basis and the driver works a split shift to accomodate the Center's driving needs. The bus is available for use between 10:30am-12:30pm each day. Staff are instructed to exhaust the services of SASH and FISH before using the Center's bus. Commissioner Sharp reported that the Center provides transportation to approximately 25 people daily with priority given to those most frail but who are able to get on and off the bus. The Center provides approximately 900 units of service each month. Executive Director Bransford reported that the Center asks for a 24 donation from its bus patrons (one way) and last year collected $1,600 which went to pay for gas for the bus. Last year $4500 was spent on maintenance on the bus (not including gas) and $20,000+ for bus driver salary and benefits. Director Bransford reported that the driver and receptionist set up the routes daily according to patron needs. She also said that she contacted the school district to see if school buses could be lent to the senior centers during their "off" hours but the district was unable to comply with the request.