10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA. 02116-3968
Voice: 857.702.3658, Fax: 617.570.9192
TDD: 617. 570.9193, E-mail: AACT@ctps.org
Chairman – James F. White
Vice Chairman – Lisa Weber
Nadine Jones
Mary Ann Murray
Beverly Ann Rock
James Tozza
Lisa Weber
Jim White, Nadine Jones, Eric Lane, Lisa Weber, Dee Whittlesy, Mary Ann Murray, Nancy Miller, Kevin Wilson, David Vieira, Marcy Segelman, Jeff Magnet, Tom Curtin, Elizabeth Crocker, Reggie Clark, Angela Manerson, Lina Hutchings, Richard Mahoney, Sylvia Mekler, and Frank Tarverna
Carol Joyce-Harrington, Mike Hulak, Laura Brelsford, and Aniko Laszlo,
Elizabeth Hickey, Victor Herrera, Kevin MacDonald, Steve Epps, Sean Powers, Linda Salazar, David Pearson, Christine Woznac, and
Patricia Mendez and Thomas Gilbert
February 22, 2017
January 25, 2017
December 21, 2016
November 16, 2016
All meeting minutes were approved with one abstention.
He stated the following:
Sean Powers, Travel Training Consultant gave an overview of Innovative Paradigm. He noted that his instructors have been providing training for the MBTA since September 2016.
He stated the following.
He then asked for questions.
D. Vieira asked if services were fee based. Sean P. noted that services for travel instructions are funded through SWA and MassDOT.
E. Lane asked if the recertification for THE RIDE could be extended to five years. M. Hulak the maximum is three years.
T. Gilbert asked if instructors are aware to document any irregularities when they are aboard MBTA vehicles. S Powers noted that trainers are equipped with electronics to document and record problems and forward to the MBTA.
L. Weber asked that trainers, while in the field with trainees, report issues that they may see within any municipalities, state, or MBTA property.
M.A. Murray asked that additional information be provided for consumers to learn more about whom you are and what services you offer. S. Powers stated that his staff is in the process of marketing.
J. Magnet asked will there be online tutorial classes in the future. L. Brelsford noted that there will be one in the future. A. Laszlo noted that they are producing a tutorial video with students and the elderly.
Mike Hulak, Manager of Paratransit Contract Operations, submitted his report and shared the following:
N. Miller commented that THE RIDE Eligibility Center interviewed her neighbor by phone. M. Hulak noted that depending on the disability this may happen time to time in some cases. He explained that it can only be done once.
J. Magnet commented that oftentimes people who take THE RIDE are not the person issued that ID number. M. Hulak noted that he is aware of the abuse. At this time they are unable to deny anyone service. Some people have ID’s others do not. OTA is working on a solution.
K. Wilson commented that his friend was unaware that MetroWest was no longer serviced by THE RIDE. M. Hulak explained that the MBTA does not service Framingham and has not for several years. He recommended that he contact TREC so that he is provided a visitor certificate good for one year or for 21 days. He was told that he would become a customer of MetroWest and to follow their policy. Chairman White commented that he will need to open an account with MeroWest. He also suggested that he get a copy of the current RIDE manual.
J. Workman is it true Brockton will no longer be serviced by the MBTA? M. Hulak stated the depending on where you are going in that area you may not be affected.
L. Weber concerned that not enough information concerning Automated Fare Collection (AFC) 2.0 is being shared. Chairman White indicated AFC 2.0 is in a working stage. She noted that she wants to be more proactive. M. Hulak commented that THE RIDE will not be affected.
K. Wilson noted that a trip to Castle Island was abruptly derailed by THE RIDE driver. He was unable to take his beach chairs aboard the vehicle after making previous arrangements. He explained that the beach chair had a strap that you transport on your shoulder.
K. MacDonald suggested that he ask the driver to contact he dispatch for his input.
Stating the following:
T. Gilbert commented that subway operators need to have ADA training. L. Brelsford noted that training is being reviewed.
Chairman White thanked Ms. Laszlo for her report.
Kevin MacDonald, Project Manager distributed his report and announced that the PAT class will be in early April.
He then asked for questions. None were asked.
Chairman White thanked Mr. McDonald for his report.
Steve Epps, Director of Transportation, submitted his report and stated the following:
He then asked for questions.
J. Workman commented that THE RIDE driver refused her request to move his vehicle off a patch of ice. She noted that the driver was less than courteous and showed no sensitivity for her safety.
E. Lane commented that his driver did not assist him to the vehicle. S. Epps noted that drivers are there to assist you to and from the door and offer whatever aid you may need such as getting you medical attention, support walking, or provide aid if you stumble.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Epps for his report.
Victor Herrera, General Manager, stated the following:
He then asked for questions.
A consumer explained that THE RIDE driver was unable to drop him off at the Target store at South Shore Plaza. M. Hulak noted that the policy to drop people off in a central location was done for safety due to the construction in the area. He noted that he would look into the policy to see if changes can be made.
Chairman White thanked Mr. Herrera for his update.
Christine Woznac, General Manager, THE RIDE Access Center (TRAC) commented that she had submitted her report and would now answer questions.
F. Tarverna commented that his home phone number is listed instead of his cell number which is always with him. M. Hulak asked that he call OTA to have the correct number listed in his profile.
M.A. Murray commented that the TRAC data report was incomplete. C. Woznac stated that the NEXT was responsible for data Feb 1-10 before the transition took place. GCS is responsible Feb 11th to 28 which was after the transition. GCS will be responsible for the data from this point and NEXT will only transport.
A consumer asked if GCS will hire staff from other vendors or will they hire new staff. C. Woznac noted they are actively pursuing staff from other vendors as the transition takes place and that there have been some hires from NEXT. She noted that the vendors’ staffs are the expert at their job.
E. Crocker explained that THE RIDE vehicles park further away from the entrance at the Braintree Mall. She noted that it is impossible to see the vehicle if you are visually impaired. C. Woznac asked that they make a notation in the profile for the driver. She noted that the information is on file.
Chairman White thanked Ms. Woznac for her update.
Elizabeth Hickey, Manager and Title VI/ADA Enforcer, stated the following:
She then asked for questions.
A. Manerson asked for an update of the Beverly Depot (BD) mini-high platforms which are out of service. E. Hickey explained that on April 4th the mini-highs would be back in service. She noted that KC apologies for the inconvenience but in the interest of safety this had to be done. It was also noted that the BD has been identified as a station that will undergo major renovations this summer.
Chairman White thanked Ms. Hickey for her update.
Meeting adjourned at 3:01PM.
The AACT Executive Board will meet from 10:00 AM to noon and the Membership meeting will be conducted from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on the fourth Wednesday of the month, except when noted.
Notices of AACT meetings are posted on the website of the MBTA at http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/public_meetings/. Visit the MPO’s calendar page at http://www.bostonmpo.org/calendar/month to find AACT agendas, meeting minutes, and past meeting minutes. For more on AACT, see the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the MBTA and AACT, the AACT Bylaws, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations at http://www.mbta.com/aact .
Also, find articles about topics discussed at AACT meetings in the MPO’s newsletter, TRANSREPORT, at http://www.bostonmpo.org/transreport. For more information on accessibility at the MBTA, please visit www.mbta.com/accessibility.
Comments and questions concerning AACT should be directed to Chairman James White by contacting the AACT Coordinator, Ms. Janie Guion, at 857.702.3658 (voice/relay), 617.570.9193 (TTY), AACT@ctps.org (email), or c/o CTPS, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 2150, Boston, MA 02116 (US mail).
The AACT meeting location is accessible to people with disabilities and is near public transportation. Upon request (preferably two weeks in advance of the meeting), every effort will be made to provide accommodations such as assistive listening devices, materials in accessible formats and in languages other than English, and icontact the MPO staff at 857.702.3700; 617.570.9192; (TTY) 617.570.9193 (fax); or .
The MPO complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other federal and state non-discrimination statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. The MPO does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, English proficiency, income, religious creed, ancestry, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or military service.
Any person who believes her or himself or any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI, ADA, or other non-discrimination statute or regulations may, her or himself or via a representative, file a written complaint with the MPO. A complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days after the date on which the person believes the discrimination occurred. A complaint form and additional information can be obtained by contacting the MPO (see above) or at www.bostonmpo.org.
Members needing service information or wanting to inquire about MBTA services should do so through the MBTA Marketing and Communications Department at 617.222.3200 or 800.392.6100, TTY 617.222.5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, or the MBTA website at www.mbta.com/customer_support/feedback/.
Announcements are always welcome. Please be prepared to give as many details as possible: date, time, location, contact person, and phone number. A written notice is always appreciated.