“As I am blind, as an adult, I have been a life-long mass transit rider since 1979. It has allowed me to hold down a job, participate with my church, go shopping, connect to other transportation modes for travel and leisure, plus raise our daughters, making sure they get to participate in school, extra-curricular activities, and leisure events, such as birthday parties and church activities.

When buying a home, my husband and I have always felt it essential to strategically locate close to a bus stop, in order to maintain our independent mobility. The first thing we did when finding that desirable home, is call the transit authority to make sure bus service is available both weekdays and weekends.

I take a fixed route plus paratransit, depending on whether or not I have access to a fixed route stop. My greatest barrier is the right-on-red traffic that causes me to lose the light.

Another issue problematic for me is the hybrid vehicle. Although they may have the option to sound when the combustion engine is quiet, the driver is the one that has the option to turn it off, so that defeats the whole purpose for it in the first place.

We nondrivers are taxpayers, but if we cannot access good transportation to hold a job, that puts us out of employment, forcing the need for public assistance with no income. However with transportation available, allowing us to spend on goods and services, will help to raise the economy of a community.

Non Drivers are not just the disabled. Better mass transit is a win-win for everyone.”