CapMetro tightens paratransit service

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Capital Metro is proposing a number of changes to its MetroAccess program in an effort to cut costs of the transit agency's paratransit program.

Policy changes will add additional penalties for those who are no-shows at a paratransit pick-up. If someone has an excessive number of no-shows for MetroAccess service, a four-day suspension of service will occur, with suspension penalties increasing for those who abuse the paratransit option.

Advance reservations will now be six, and not eight, days in advance in order to reduce call center hold times. And call center hours will be reduced so that staff can be increased during the busiest call times. Under the new proposal, the call center would be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

MetroAccess will ask passengers to provide estimated times for return trips. In the past, many trips have been open ended. An estimated pick-up time is intended to eliminate wait time and improve scheduling decisions. And passengers will be asked to be ready 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time.

Meetings will be scheduled at Austin Community College, South Austin Campus, 1820 W. Stassney, on August 11; Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center, 4800 N Lamar, on August 12; and Conley-Guerrero Senior Activity Center, 808 Nile St. on August 13. All meetings are 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.