App issues, pay discrepancies plague rollout of Raleigh's transit service for people with disabilities
Riders have reported being stranded or not picked up at all and drivers have reported issues as the city of Raleigh tries to roll out transit service for people with disabilities.
City leaders met Wednesday with GoRaleigh Access drivers to address the issues from the rollout of the new system, which launched in August. Media members were not allowed to attend the meeting, where city leaders laid out expectations for drivers.
“We expect that they meet the 85% performance,” said Raleigh Transportation Manager David Walker. “We expect that they use the software appropriately."
Walker says the program's top 10 performers have a 90% on-time rate, but the other drivers aren't doing so well.
Some drivers said the app is challenging and time-consuming.
One issue that drivers have had is how the mileage is reimbursed. They say that the Google Maps navigation app gives the fastest route, but it can be longer, which the city is only willing to pay for the shortest route. Drivers said that was a pay cut.
“What we decided as a city is to make sure our taxis are getting paid at the longest trip route, so that would help accommodate any detours that they might have to take,” Walker said.
Walker said the city will cut a check for August’s mileage discrepancy.
However, some drivers for the GoRaleigh Access program said the pay structure is unsustainable.
WRAL News asked driver Paschal Ogbedeagu if he’s been paid for the month of August.
“August, they just paid two days ago, and when you pay for August, you still pay your mortgage for September,” Ogbedeagu said.
Ogbedeagu says he turned in his invoice on time.
“I’ve been doing this job for over 30 years and now, I cannot pay my mortgage,” Ogbedeagu said. “Every day, they owe us.”
Eligibility for ADA paratransit service
The city of Raleigh's website states paratransit service is available to GoRaleigh Access users who qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The ADA mandates that each public entity operating a fixed route transit system provide complementary paratransit service to individuals whose functional disabilities prevent use of accessible fixed route bus and rail systems. The level of service for these individuals is to be comparable to the level of service provided to individuals without disabilities.
To apply, download an application or call 919-996-3459 to request an application be mailed to you.
