I don't recommend paratransit services for getting to and from appointments.
The reason for this is because I don't think they are very reliable. In
Portland, for example, our paratransit service picks up within a 30-minute
window. In fact, sometimes, they don't show up within that window. My
recommendations would be to:
1. See if there is a non-profit organization whose specialty is to
transport seniors and people with physical disabilities. In Portland, we
have an organization called Ride Connection, which I have used to get to
some of my appointments.
2. If possible, take transit to a place you are familiar with and then get
a cab to take you the rest of the way to your appointment. I hope that
helps.
Eric
-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Colin McDonald
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 3:06 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Off Topic Transpertation Question
i sometimes struggle with the idea that asking someone who has a vehicle to
drive me somewhere becomes a birden to them.
I quickly get over my pangs of doubt because i remind myself that most
people really don't mind driving. They have a vehicle for the specific
purpose of getting from point a, to point B. that is the whole reason they
own a vehicle.
So, if it is a significant distance, say a drive of 20 minutes or more I try
to plan with them to include any errands they may have to do either on the
way or close by to where i need to go.
I also don't call them up half an hour before an appointment and ask for a
ride, thus putting them into a position of not having a choice due to my
urgency.
and, sometimes if the person is one to complain about gas, i'll throw them 5
or 10 bucks for gas. Anyone who regularly drives a vehicle will know that 5
or 10 bucks in gas money is quite a significant bit more then what it
actually costs in gas for a 1 hour drive, half an hour each way. Unless
they are driving a gas guzzling 1968 mustang or corvette or something.
driving 5 or ten minutes each direction out of ones way in a vehicle to pick
you up or drop you off is absolutely no birden to them or their car.
Perhaps the time factor can be an issue if the person doesn't plan their
time well and feels rushed or stressed because they are late for their own
appointment, but that really isn't my problem or yours right?
politeness and respect certainly go a long way when asking for
transportation, but it never pays to feel like you are a birden to a sighted
person who has the ability to drive a vehicle to get to where they need to
go. Also, if they are decent people, they'll not make you feel like you are
a birden.
all that aside, when i can't find a ride, I use cabs or the local bus
system. Unfortunately you don't have a city bus system and it depends on
how far you must go, or how much money you may have to spend on a cab.
one nice thing about a smaller place is that cabs won't necesarily break the
bank.
and, 5 or 10 bucks for gas is typically far cheaper then paying a cab even
one way.
I am very fortunate to have great friends and even better family who will
more offten then not offer their services for transportation if they are
aware of my need.
I guess they value my friendship enough and i offer some sort of intrinsic
and or perhaps extrinsic value to them so that it makes their end of it no
birden or difficulty.
I agree with the church van idea. Many of the churches i have observed have
some sort of van or small bus that they use for those who are disabled or
who do not have a vehicle.
anyway, don't feel like you will ever be a birden. gas money will go a long
way, and perhaps try to find some sort of way to repay the assistance either
through friendship, dependability, dinner, a case of beer, bottle of wine,
whatever you can.
It's like moving. You get help with moving, and a 13 dollar case of beer
will lubricate everyones good intensions and good will lol.
73
Colin, V A6BKX
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mark" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 2:49 PM
Subject: Re: Off Topic Transpertation Question
>
> Hi GARY,
> I have been very blessed with people at church being willing to =
> taxi me. They are most kind. However, as my involvement at church =
> increases I wouldn't blame them if they felt a little over burdened. =
> Besides I need to find a strategy that is workable after I become a =
> minister/priest. Your idea about there being a transit van is a good =
> one. I should look in to that.
> Thanks.
>
> God bless,
> Mark
> -- Currently in Pendleton, Eastern Oregon Regional At Pendleton, Oregon =
> Overcast, 27.0=B0F Wind:Calm=20
> ----- Original Message -----=20
> From: "GARY TILLINGHAST" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:11 AM
> Subject: Re: Off Topic Transpertation Question
>
>
> Hey mark,
> Some small communities have either a going places van or volunteer rural =
>
> transit van. It is also a good idea to contact the church you attend =
> and=20
> they might have someone that would be willing to pick up someone. Your=20
> pastor might be able to suggest other options to take of other transit=20
> problems. Gary KB2YAA
> ----- Original Message -----=20
> From: "Mark" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 3:06 AM
> Subject: Off Topic Transpertation Question
>
>
>> Hi
>> I am currently attending two online colleges and am very active in =
> =3D
>> my church. My family has been very kind about transporting me to those =
> =3D
>> functions that they can and church members have done a wonderful job =
> of =3D
>> being sure I have had transportation to church activities. However, it =
> =3D
>> accurse to me that the time is coming when I will need to be able to =
> =3D
>> keep appointments at times when one of these kind sols are not =3D
>> available. In the town I live in there is no bus service and yet the =
> =3D
>> distance is further than one can reasonably walk. So, my question is =
> how =3D
>> do other blind people handle similar situations? I would appreciate =
> any =3D
>> insights.
>>
>> God bless,
>> Mark
>> --=3D20
>> Currently in Pendleton, Eastern Oregon Regional At Pendleton, =3D
>> Oregon Partly Cloudy, 30.0=3DB0F Wind:W-260=3DB0 at 24mph gusting to =
> 30mph=3D20
>> Worry is like a rocking chair - it gives you something to do, but =
> =3D
>> it doesn't get you anywhere.
>> Created by Weather Signature v1.20 =3D95 =
> http://www.weathersig.com
>> God loves you!
>> http://www.homebusinessxpert.net/=3D20
>> www.donorschoose.org
>> =3D20
>
>
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------=
> -------
>
>
>
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> Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.9/1993 - Release Date: =
> 03/10/09=20
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