HomeMy WebLinkAboutDrake, Letter to Council020524 2-27-2024Tuesday, February 5. 2024
Regina Drake, resident of Port Arthur, 6049 Charles Avenue, Port Arthur, TX 77640.
Public Comment - COPA Transit Department – denial of paratransit services and failure to provide an
alternatfve service.
To: City Manager, Ron Burton
Transit Director, Ivan Mitchell and Staff
City Councilmember District 1, W. B. Lewis Jr.
City Councilmember District 2, T. Hamilton
City Councilmember District 3, D. Beckom
City Councilmember District 4, H. Doucet
Mayor, T. B. Bartfe
City Councilmember At Large Positfon 5, T. Kinlaw III
City Councilmember At Large Positfon 6, D. Frank
Community leaders, Advocates and all interested partfes:
I received a letter statfng ineligibility for Paratransit services. Based on the reasons listed, it seems that
the decision to deny services failed to consider the impact of the city’s previous decision to halt a fixed
route in this area. Doing so created undue hardship and barriers for residents that live in District 4.
In additfon, the decision failed to consider individuals with disabilitfes and other conditfons such as
limited or no vision, impaired hearing, mobility limitatfons, cannot stand or walk/ those wo rely on
wheelchairs, as well as other issues identffied by the American with Disabilitfes act.
I am deeply concerned that the transit department has failed to see the impact and need for alternatfve
ways to provide services to residents in District 4. There are several entftfes that may be able to assist in
this matter, such as Southeast Texas Transit, SETX Planning Commission (800-259-4457), the Health and
Human Commission (8776338747), as well as nonprofits, churches and other volunteer service
organizatfons.
It is with much urgency that I ask all the decision makers to move fast regarding this issue. Failure to do
so could result in a loss of medical services and other resources. It can become a life or die moment for
individuals who are unable to get to medical facilitfes for life sustaining treatments.
Failure to provide this service or a reliable alternatfve negatfvely impacts quality of life for Port Arthur
residents who live in District 4. Individuals who are in dire need of transportatfon to and from medical
appointments. treatments, and procedures, who need to conduct business in person, to attend
scheduled appointments and social engagements, , as wells as other errands.
The request of residents such as myself is fair and the expectatfon that the city will provide these
services and accommodatfons is reasonable. Those mentfoned above could do right by the people of
Port Arthur. Let us not fail them, please see the urgent nature of this issue and use your power to
expedite a solutfon to avoid interruptfon of care and alleviate undue hardship on those already facing
challenges.
As I close, I would like to share this experience. While in the midst of a health crisis faced with challenges
several people now have the added stress of securing reliable transportatfon. The issue results from
decisions made by others. Decisions that ultfmately hurt the public. I spoke with the Paratransit
Coordinator. While I appreciate Mrs. Sam’s willingness to take my calls, there seems to be very little
interest in getting services restored. The department’s decision to halt the fixed route can be resolved
expediently, as it impacts individuals and their ability to obtain critfcal services. Om recommendatfon
to restore the route and to provide paratransit services for those who are unable to drive or walk two
blocks to the nearest bus stop. Doing so would also provide regular service routes within District 4.
If Port Arthur is to be the great place where people live, work and play we must ensure that its residents
receive the best possible service, care, and responses available. I cannot express to you without urgency
the need for a growth mindset and a culture where individuals who provide services are in the business
of seeking ways to consistently provide great service and to ensure that all residents receive the same
services. If paratransit is available to some and not all there is inequity.
It is my request that this matter be resolved as soon as possible and that in the interim some type of
door to door service be provided to individuals who are negatfvely impacted by the dissolutfon of
paratransit services in El Vista, Vista Village, Port Acres, Montrose, Palamar, and Lakeside.
Thank you for your tfme and I pray that every actfon moving forward is in the best interests of those you
choose to serve, the people of Port Arthur.
Respectiully,
Regina 9Drake