Transportation Task Force meeting reveal continued improvements
A small group gathered Tuesday at the Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living headquarters for a discussion of transit concerns.
Sheila Gombita, right, with Washington Rides, explains their transit procedures during a monthly meeting to discuss transit issues in the county held at TRIPIL in Washington Tuesday afternoon.
Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living’s Accessible Transportation Task Force offered plenty of praise Tuesday to Washington Rides and First Transit as they continue to be more responsive to Washington County residents with disabilities. The group continues to work toward finding ways to improve public transportation services in Washington County.
Although happy with the continued improvements, Daniel Kleinmann, membership director for TRIPIL and moderator of the monthly meetings, said the task force would always be asking for and seeking for more services.
“We are here to make the services better,” he said. “The end goal is to see more people use the services. If more people use the services, the cost goes down and the service gets better. A lot of people are very thankful for what they have in Washington, and Washington Rides has been very receptive.”
Washington Rides is operated by the Washington County Transportation Authority, and First Transit is a subcontractor providing services for both Washington Rides and the Washington City Transit Authority. Both provide reduced-cost transportation for senior citizens and those with disabilities.
Kleinmann also addressed concerns with the upcoming winter months, which included alternative ways to thank drivers without using tips, parcel regulations and winter weather. The group also touched on driver arrival times. Kleinmann said early arrivals can fluster senior residents, causing anxiety and possible falls as they rush to get ready.
The group, which includes area residents, TRIPIL employees and representatives from First Transit and Washington Rides, also addressed individual concerns and complaints. The majority of the group indicated they would like to see officials of Washington City Transit Authority join the discussion for additional improvements. The task force meets again at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 26 at TRIPIL’s headquarters.