Mayor Adams Promises Action to Fix Access-A-Ride’s Reliability and Accessibility in Staten Island

During a recent town hall meeting on Staten Island, Mayor Eric Adams addressed ongoing transportation challenges with Access-A-Ride, particularly concerning its reliability and accessibility. Community members voiced their frustrations about long wait times and unpredictability in scheduling, emphasizing the need for immediate changes to enhance service for vulnerable populations.

Mayor Adams acknowledged the problems with Access-A-Ride and stated that he would collaborate with state lawmakers to modernize the system. He pointed out that technological advancements available today should eliminate the uncertainty of when a ride will arrive, similar to ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft. “We have to take the guesswork out of where the vehicle is,” he stated, emphasizing that seniors should not have to wait for hours without any information about their rides (Source: https://youtu.be/XHWYBQk_ixg&t=658).

A community member shared her difficult experience using Access-A-Ride, recounting how incorrect addresses led to confusion and prolonged waits. Mayor Adams responded by reiterating the necessity of reform, saying, “We hear the complaints of inaccessibility all the time” (Source: https://youtu.be/XHWYBQk_ixg&t=570). He expressed his commitment to finding a solution to improve the process, as many users depend on the service for essential appointments and daily activities.

The meeting also raised concerns about the alignment of ferry and bus schedules, which can lead to missed connections for transit users, particularly seniors. Adams committed to speaking with the MTA to explore better coordination between these services. “We know the ferry schedule; we should also know the bus schedule,” he asserted, advocating for synchronized timing to ensure smoother transitions for passengers (Source: https://youtu.be/XHWYBQk_ixg&t=3413).

During discussions, it was clear that many attendees felt strongly about the need for more immediate improvements rather than extended plans. Residents urged for effective implementation of the proposed changes, noting that timely transportation is crucial for ensuring their independence and well-being (Source: https://youtu.be/XHWYBQk_ixg&t=480).

The town hall provided a platform for direct dialogue between residents and city officials, allowing community concerns around Access-A-Ride to be firmly addressed. As the mayor prepares to discuss these matters with state lawmakers, many community members hope for swift action to alleviate the ongoing transportation challenges.