UTA feels good about access

When it comes to access, the Utah Transit Authority focuses on what riders can do, instead of what they can't.

This week marks the 15th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), and for UTA, and it has been an uphill ride to the top.

"It's not just the law. It's the right thing to do," said Sherry Repscher, ADA compliance officer for UTA.

"I never go anywhere on my own that I don't take UTA," Frances Kempton said. She uses a wheelchair as a mobility aide and has been riding public transportation in Salt Lake City for 40 years. She has enjoyed the changes UTA has made since 1990 and knows that others do, too.

"The more familiar people get with ADA, you see handicapped people everywhere," Kempton said.

For patrons needing assistance, UTA offers paratransit curb-to-curb pickup service along with accessible fixed route service. Those who want to be eligible for paratransit must go to a center and be tested. Occupational and physical therapists analyze the abilities of the person and decide for how much paratransit service they qualify. For example, a person may have a hard time crossing busy streets but has no mobility problems in a residential area. So, the individual may be approved to receive paratransit service when he or she seeks to go where there are busy streets.

The ultimate goal of paratransit, however, is to be a bridge to fixed-route services such as buses and TRAX. To become that bridge, the center teaches people how to use the bus. Inside the training site, a bus, bus stop and road models allow new riders to become comfortable with fixed-route service. UTA also has several "ride-along buddies" who ride with a new transit user. Each year, UTA honors a few fixed-route riders who could be using paratransit with its "I choose to ride award." This year's award ceremony involved a tribute to the ADA, with a guest speaker, balloons and cake.

Ty Ross of West Point was one of five award recipients. He uses the bus to get towork every day. When originally denied for unconditional para- transit service, Ross appealed. However, UTA encouraged him to try the regular service. He did and enjoys it because of the freedom it provides. "Before (when using paratransit), I'd pass WalMart on the way and go, 'Shoot! I need to go to Walmart,' but now I can just get off and go. I can be spontaneous like that," said Ross, who uses an electric wheelchair for mobility.

The road to 100 percent accessibility was not an easy one for UTA. Though ramps were added to buses, the new technology wasn't dependable, or even compatible with curbs at some stops. Drivers didn't like using them. Other services were simply ignored.