THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 20, 1994 TAG: 9411180013
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
I frequently use the Tidewater Regional Transit Handi-Ride service to get to and from work, school and doctors, and I am concerned about the way the service is handled - attitudes toward handicaps and unfairness.
Lately, I've had problems with cabs sent by TRT to pick me up. I've been late for school, not picked up from school, not taken to work.
The main problem is lost wages. I missed work twice and was late once, on three consecutive Fridays. Since I only work two days a week, Friday and Saturday, there are no excuses for me. Why should TRT have any? TRT does not feel that it should reimburse me for lost pay.
In most instances, TRT is the only means of transportation for handicapped individuals. We have to make reservations at least 24 hours in advance, but the cab company does not know of the reservation in advance.
When I spoke to three different TRT supervisors on three occasions, they spoke to me rudely, as if I had no mind and no rights as a handicapped person.
Handi-Ride is a state-funded program. Some riders are complaining under their breaths, but I am speaking up because I want to be heard, and I also want something done.
TARA M. SPADY
Norfolk, Nov. 7, 1994 by CNB