|
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)
|
|
| Albany NY Disability Tourists & Business Travelers Resources Updated: March 19, 2008
 Business Visitors and Tourists to the NY Capital Region with Disabilities - STAR Paratransit is available and Line buses are mobility accessible. STAR is available for visitor service up to 21 days per year, WITHOUT APPLICATION, by Federal Law. If you have paratransit certification from where you live, fax it to STAR at (518) 437-8391 or bring your approval letter from the paratransit company in your City. It's always best to handle this in advance, before you arrive, if possible. The Coalition also suggests you call to make sure your fax was received and speak with the Paratransit Coordinator, Maryellen Usis at (518) 437-8378 or use the TDD line (518)482-9024. Federal Law: If you aren't certified for Paratransit in your area, but require it, or if there is no public transportation or paratransit in your area, you still can use STAR if you can provide: 1. Proof you are from outside this area. A State ID, passport etc should be fine. If your disability is apparent, that's all you should need. 2. If you have a hidden disability (your disability isn't apparent such as neurological, pulmonary and other conditions (or to save yourself trouble) also bring or fax a letter from your doctor stating you are disabled and need for this STAR paratransit service while you visit the region because you can't use the CDTA line buses (even though they are accessible to customers at least with mobility disabilities). You must also still be able to prove you are from out of town. (You'll notice that #2 is missing from the STAR Visitor's Policy on their website. We've asked them to add the info in but they've refused so far which is why we're putting it here. This info comes from Federal Transportation regulations so it's absolutely accurate.) No one should ask you any other questions such as 'How do you get around where you live?" That's none of anyone's business. Remind them Federal Law allows for the above information in numbers 1 and 2. That's all that should be confirmed. We are not saying this to encourage abuse. We are saying this so that visitors with disabilities that cannot use regular buses know their rights! You still will have to schedule your rides a day in advance (before 5pm the day before the ride). It's best to take care of as much of this as possible in advance before your arrival if you know your plans in advance. You can schedule trips up to 2 weeks in advance. If you have any problems, please call the Coalition at (518)-273-1110 and we will be happy to assist you. Note: CDTA's regular line buses are accessible to mobility aids. CDTA is still working on being accessible to customers with vision disabilities. Visitors should know that CDTA has regular line buses that wheelchairs can board. Some larger chairs and larger scooters may still have difficulty but CDTA line buses have ramps and places inside for wheelchairs to be secured. Having a wheelchair alone is not a reason to use paratransit because of this. There are also bus "kneelers". The bus lowers to sidewalk level so you do not have to walk up stairs to board. For those hard of hearing and the deaf, CDTA provides automated stop announcements in writing on a lighted announcement grid at the front of the bus. These are not always accurate so it's best to check the street with the driver before getting off the bus or if you are completely unfamiliar with the city, call STAR and let them know you can't navagate the line bus system here and require STAR service while you visit. STAR does have a TTY/TDD number on their website. For those with vision disabilities, CDTA also provides automated stop announcements while you ride the bus, that list the street and stop, main streets and landmarks. CDTA should but doesn't have this system announce bus route numbers outside the bus at stops where multiple bus routs pick up customers. Because of this, and because the automated stop announcements don't always work correctly and drivers do not at this point call out stops (a select few will), so if you are unfamiliar with the Albany area or get lost easily because of your vision disability, you may need STAR. Bottom line, if you can use the regular line buses please use them but if not, know that STAR should allow visitors and tourists who require paratransit service to use it without an application.
Last Updated: 03/19/2008
|
This is in the process of being updated. Please send us your
suggestions. What do you want to know about? What information is of value
to you? Thank you for your help!