Mountain Line improves paratransit services under Mary Plumlee despite public criticism

The Mountain Line Bus Press Conference held on April 8, 1993, addressed critical updates regarding the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the provision of paratransit services in Missoula, Montana. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of Mountain Line to ensure compliance with ADA requirements, particularly in relation to services for disabled individuals.

The discussion began with an overview of Mountain Line's commitment to providing paratransit services during the same hours and within the same service area as its regular fixed-route service. The board established a timetable for full compliance with the ADA's paratransit provisions by 1997. Mary Plumlee, the manager, reported on outreach efforts aimed at increasing public participation in the implementation process, which included public meetings and representation on the specialized transportation committee.

Despite criticisms from a local organization representing persons with disabilities, which claimed that specialized transit services had been reduced, Plumlee defended the service's performance. She noted a significant increase in usage, with trips rising from 17,914 in 1989 to 20,348 in 1992. Even with this increase, Mountain Line had over 100 available trips each month that were not utilized by the disabled community.

Plumlee also addressed inconsistencies in service delivery that had been identified during her review. She emphasized that appropriate actions were taken to rectify these issues, which included addressing instances where service providers exceeded expected operational standards. For example, a report highlighted that some operators were providing excessive assistance, which resulted in delays that were not typical for paratransit operations.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of Mountain Line's commitment to improving service quality while adhering to ADA guidelines. The board and management expressed their dedication to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of ability, have access to reliable transportation services. Moving forward, Mountain Line aims to continue refining its operations and addressing any concerns raised by the community to enhance the overall effectiveness of its paratransit services.