FREE RIDE

Metro Chief of Access Services to Host Online Chat Friday

Marvin Joseph/TWP

METRO'S ASSISTANT GM OF ACCESS SERVICES, Christian Kent, will be hosting an hour-long online chat on Friday to discuss transportation options for senior citizens and the disabled, according to a press release.

MetroAccess, the transit system's paratransit service, has been criticized recently for what some people call an unnecessary rider recertification process, implemented because of a switch from curb-to-curb to door-to-door service, beginning June 30.

On May 20, the Post's Lena H. Sun reported that the application procedures might not change anytime soon.

Metro officials said the process is necessary because eligibility for the federally mandated shared-ride service depends on a person's physical ability. People do not automatically qualify because they have a permanent disability.

But faced with mounting customer complaints, MetroAccess officials said they want to find ways to streamline the process.

"We are considering broader changes to the application and eligibility assessment process for the coming year, but they will require a substantial amount of public discussion, planning and, in some cases, board approval before they will be implemented," said Christian Kent, Metro's chief of disability services, which include MetroAccess.

Kent will be online from noon to 1 p.m. to answer as many questions as possible about Metro accessibility. You can log on to Metro LunchTalk Online here. (For a post-chat transcript, call Metro's Customer Service Office at 202-637-1328.)

» "Disabled Riders Question Need For MetroAccess Recertification" [WaPo]

Photo by Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post

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