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Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation (518) 273-1110 (A Grassroots Disability Coalition located in Albany, New York's Capital Region)
Members of: The Council for Community Service of NYS, (CCSNYS) The National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates, (NAPTA) Americans for Transportation Mobility, (ATM)
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Current News Updated: March 19, 2008 CDTA's Public Transportation top problems: General: Ø
Accessible Format bus schedules unavailable even at major public
locations such as malls and hospitals. Ø
Website still inaccessible to people with vision disabilities. Ø Statistics that don’t include what was used (specifically) to gather the information. For instance, statistics on complaints don't take in consideration complaints that don't make it to the CDTA complaint database or receive tracking numbers. Phone hold times include only initial hold times and averages.
Line
Bus: Ø
Calling out STOPS and calling out Route numbers where more than one bus
stops. Ø
Public Policy stating that Service Animal ID's and harnesses are
necessary despite ID's and harnesses for service animals.
Did you have a particularly difficult or upsetting ride with STAR / Taxi / Ambulette or other means of transportation? Do you want assistance with your STAR application or appeal? We have a volunteer "Call Center" running from about 10am - 4pm. It's also answered off hours much of the time as well but please no calls after 6pm unless you have a real SITUATION or 'emergency'. We've already helped people via the call center who were calling in using their cell phones while having the problem. We are willing to advocate for you, you are not in this alone! Keep our call line number handy: (518) 273-1110
Our Yahoo egroup also has new information on transportation issues in the Capital District area. Our forum's name is: CDCAT_Forum · Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation. Once you sign up, you'll receive transportation information and meeting/event reminders via your email. Signup by using this link or just email us that you want to join:
You'll receive an email asking for a little info on what your interests are. Make sure to email back so we can add you to the forum quickly! Community Meetings! Our community meetings are held every other month. All, especially the disabled community, are welcomed to attend public meetings. 2008 Community Meeting Planner Tuesday, March 25, 2008 Tuesday, May 27, 2008 Tuesday, July 29, 2008
No meetings during winter months. This will give everyone time to plan ahead. Please check monthly to be sure there wasn't a change or cancellation! Remember, you can always call to check!
The real story...
Report it! That information could save a life, maybe even yours or someone you care for. Report it anonymously. We will keep names and email confidential. Give relevant details please. We need to know what mode of transportation as well as what happened or what was / is wrong. Rule of thumb is that more detail is always better than less. Do you have a question or problem? Write us, that's what we are here for. Check the link for contacting us if you rather phone.
Don't allow problems to be swept
under the rug!
"Citizens for Transportation" and the "Capital District Coalition for Accessible Transportation" (CDCAT) are 2 different community groups! CDCAT is NOT the same community organization/group or affiliated with "Citizens for Transportation" located in Albany, NY, though from time to time we may share some of the same issues and concerns. These are 2 completely separate groups. Please don't confuse us! The difference is that CDCAT was created by people with disabilities - specifically to address all various transportation issues for people with disabilities. CDCAT has the support of local Independent Living Centers and other disability organizations who have social workers and advocates that are professionally trained to assist with issues and problems and statewide advocacy. Our board of directors is made up of people with disabilities who use STAR, route buses, and other forms of transportation. We know transportation problems first hand as we use the system! CDCAT address issues revolving around the ADA as well as work with people who request advocacy and assistance with various forms for transportation services specifically for people with disabilities. The Coalition (CDCAT) is just more 'strictly disability concerns' specific.
NAPTA NAPTA is the abbreviation for the National Alliance of Public Transportation Advocates. NAPTA is a national organization representing local transit coalitions who support increasing federal investment in public transportation. Getting more funding will help public transit in general and leave less reasons for not being able to afford .. whatever it is that day. That's not exactly how NAPTA puts it exactly, but that's how the Coalition views it. We don't mind writing letters supporting funding for public transportation so long as public transportation pulls through with their promises that things will be improving for people with disabilities on both line buses and STAR.
Last Updated: 03/19/2008
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Our call center is open!
Do you know of ADA violations or safety problems on transportation used by the
disabled community? 
