TOTAL 175 159 334 Representative Participant Comments Agree: “Requiring a functional assessment would provide an accurate assessment of an [applicant’s] eligibility.” “I that individuals with knowledge about functional skills such as an OT [Occupational Therapist], PT [Physical Therapist], or O&M [Orientation & Mobility] specialist should definitely be looking at the needs of the individuals.” No Opinion: “I feel that the current process used to determine METROLift eligibility is satisfactory. However, I do feel that including the functional assessment as an option may be helpful.” Disagree/Strongly Disagree: “I disagree because the disability may not always be apparent at the same time of day. Privacy is important, and I don't want to share my disability with strangers.” “Assessment won't reflect the true conditions of the city condition that could affect ability to use the service/ fixed route service. Equipment often does not work, drivers don't know how to use it, or bus is full.” Comments Summarized by Category Consider Functional Assessment for Eligibility Functional assessment is a good idea 19 Current METROLift system is good; functional assessment is not required 15 Doctor knows the individual best; personal physician should determine individual's eligibility 13 Questions about how the functional assessment process will work 9 Functional assessment needs to take into account a variety of situations and the differences in individual ability 8 Functional assessment is a good idea only if the professional is qualified 8
METRO should consider eliminating METROLift discounted tickets and passes and instead charge a standard fare per passenger trip. Summary Participant Uses METROLift Participant Does Not Use METROLift All Participants Total Number Percent of Responses Number Percent of Responses Number Percent of Responses Strongly Agree 12 7% 16 11% 28 9% 9 6% 10 7% 19 6% No Opinion 13 8% 9 7% 22 8% Disagree 37 23% 40 28% 77 25% Strongly Disagree 92 56% 67 47% 159 52% Total w/ Response 163 100% 142 100% 305 100% No Response 12 17 29 TOTAL 175 159 334 Representative Participant Comments Agree/Strongly Agree “Although I agree, I believe there should be a ‘discount’ for low income persons, so that no one is excluded from using the service.” “Phase-in fare increase slowly, over 3 to 5 years. Eliminate discount passes.” “Discounted ticket is an incentive to use services regularly”. No Opinion “We need more information on how peer agencies deal with disability passes.” Disagree/Strongly Disagree
Specific suggestions (accessible signal, bumps on ramps make it hard for individuals who use wheelchairs, many stops are at intersections without traffic lights) 4 3 Accessibility near bus or rail line is good idea Repair to many sidewalks/crosswalks reduce overuse of METROLift service Total* 40 * Some participants offered multiple comments; general comments were listed for both statements Relative Rating by Area of Interest The numeric rating is based on a point score system to determine the level of importance the respondents rated the area of interest presented to them in the workbook. The respondents were asked “How important is each of the following topics that we have discussed in the workshop? Please circle a number from 1 to 10 for each Area of Interest where 1 is “Not Important” and 10 is “Very Important.” The highest possible point score is “10.” Table . Relative Rating by Area of Interest Statement Rating (1-10) How important do you think it is for METROLift to meet the performance standard? 8.09 How important do you think it is the METROLift provide service when a customer requests? 7.98 How important do you think is that METRO improves bus stop and shelter accessibility? 7.65 How important do you think it is that METRO provide METROLift service beyond the ADA required service area? 7.39 How important do you it is for METROLift to continue to permit same day changes (send-backs, hold trips, or address changes)? 6.93
How important do you think it is that METROLift adopt a more strict No-Show policy to discourage customers from missing scheduled trips? 6.51 How important do you think it is that METRO expand its travel training program? 6.48 How important do you think it is that METROLift's eligibility process includes a functional assessment by a qualified professional? 6.25 How important do you think it is that METRO consider revising the METROLift fare to cover more of the operating cost? 5.46