MetroAccess proposes program changes

AUSTIN (KXAN) - In response to customer concerns with Capital Metro MetroAccess paratransit program, some changes are proposed to take effect late 2009.

Among changes, CapMetro is considering implementing a fare increase to address the continued decrease in sales tax revenue in Texas and to help develop a more balanced budget for next year.

The most important change to be made to the MetroAccess program is overall efficency.

CapMetro said it believes this will be possible by reducing telephone hold times and increasing the dependability of scheduled trip times for passengers with disabilities unable to use fixed route buses.

Improvements are also to be made to the automated phone system while also adding a new online reservation and cancellation tool for customers to be able to cancel and schedule trips 24 hours a day.

Among the policies under review, CapMetro said it hopes to have results such as reducing the number of no-show passengers, reducing hold call times and allowing more flexibility within each vehicle's daily schedule.

According to its Web site, CapMetro said it wants to make changes in order to "maximize efficiency and ensure the financial sustainability of MetroAccess within the context of all of Capital Metro's other services."

The public is invited to attend three open houses to discuss the changes with CapMetro staff and provide feedback. Open houses will occur Aug. 11, 12 and 13.

Tuesday, August 11
Austin Community College, South Austin Campus
1820 W. Stassney Lane
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Bus routes: 3, 311

Wednesday, August 12
Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center
4800 N. Lamar
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Bus routes: 1L/1M, 101, 338

Thursday, August 13
Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center
808 Nile Street
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Bus routes: 2, 17, 300

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