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Transit rider calls out repeated ADA and reliability problems with Minot buses
Summary
A transit rider told the council that multiple buses were sent into service with broken lifts, ramps and other equipment, leaving wheelchair users stranded and vulnerable; the speaker recounted cold-weather incidents and urged public awareness of persistent safety issues.
During public appearances the council heard two items: a brief report from the Fraternal Order of Police about a successful toy drive, and a lengthy public comment from Billy Gunderson, who described repeated safety and accessibility problems with Minot’s bus fleet.
Gunderson described occasions when ADA lifts or kneel functions did not operate, a bus with no heat, doors opening and closing while driving, radios failing and delays that left riders in cold weather. He said the current transit-station configuration requires some ramps to use adjacent sidewalks and that some bus types did not work well on sloped platforms, creating dependence on assistance. “Buses are sent out with ADA ramps not working, buses not kneeling, ADA straps not working, wheelchair users strapped in unsafe,” Gunderson said. He said he had missed appointments after a bus could not load him and that such incidents are a persistent problem.
The public comment elicited no immediate council action in the meeting; it was recorded during the public appearances portion and council members acknowledged the concern and the need to review operational readiness and maintenance reporting.
Next steps: Council and staff may follow up with transit management to review inspection, maintenance, vendor refurbishment plans and any necessary operational changes.
