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CB2 transportation committee presses MTA for Access‑A‑Ride data and system upgrades
Summary
Members of CB2’s Traffic & Transportation Committee reviewed a presentation from MTA New York City Transit and advocates on Access‑A‑Ride/On‑Demand service and requested performance data, system upgrades, and service changes to reduce long rides and improve enrollment.
The Manhattan Community Board 2 Traffic & Transportation Committee heard a presentation from MTA New York City Transit representatives and users advocating for improvements to the Access‑A‑Ride/on‑demand paratransit service.
Committee members and advocates asked the MTA to release performance and usage data for the on‑demand pilot launched in September 2017 and requested a timeline and cost estimate for technology and software upgrades to improve routing, scheduling and trip directness. Among the problems cited were limited reservation windows (1–2 days ahead and only between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.), convoluted pickup-to-drop-off routing, long waits, and a reimbursement process that can take months and is difficult for users without smartphones.
The committee requested: performance and usage data from the pilot; a public plan and timeline for software and routing upgrades; expanded enrollment and reenrollment access including more convenient enrollment centers and teleconference options; driver training for accessibility needs; and improved digital reimbursement options for taxis and livery services.
Committee members described the session as informative and urged the MTA to provide the data that would allow the board and advocates to track improvements. The committee also noted an existing open-data set that appears to contain ride-time performance figures and said it would circulate that link to attendees for follow-up.
