Image: The Ride. Courtesy MBTA
About a month ago I received a very large postcard from "THE RIDE Eligibility Center" informing me that my eligibility to use THE RIDE will expire soon.
To continue to schedule rides I would need to renew my eligibility.
In addition, they informed me that new procedures have been implemented by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. An in-person interview with a mobility-coordinator is now used to determine eligibility for THE RIDE. Free transportation to and from the interview would be provided.
YEARS AGO
Years ago if you were a senior or a person with a disability you could apply for THE RIDE by having a doctor Fill out a form which explained why that individual qualified for that service.
I did that, was approved, and have used THE RIDE to take me to places like Boston, where the traffic can be horrendous and the roads are unfamiliar.
All these years I have never heard a peep out of them.
HOW THE RIDE WORKS FOR ME
I call in advance, make a date and time, pay the required sum and hope that they don't pick me up long before the time requested. Many times there are other people on the bus so it can take a LONG time getting where I want to go.
It's not perfect but it does get me where I want to go!
HOW THE RIDE WORKS FOR ME
I call in advance, make a date and time, pay the required sum and hope that they don't pick me up long before the time requested. Many times there are other people on the bus so it can take a LONG time getting where I want to go.
It's not perfect but it does get me where I want to go!
GETTING INTERVIEWED
I just couldn't believe they were requiring me to appear in-person.
I hadn't heard anyone tell me that they received the same postcard.
I just couldn't believe they were requiring me to appear in-person.
I hadn't heard anyone tell me that they received the same postcard.
Living here at Brooksby Village, there is a social worker that you can talk to about whatever is troubling you, so I called, asked about the supposed new way to renew your eligibility.
YES, she said, that's how you have to do it now!
YES, she said, that's how you have to do it now!
Once she confirmed the message I had received, I called, was informed that the interview could take up to NINTY MINUTES and THE RIDE would provide free transportation to and from the interview.
THE DAY CAME
The driver arrived 20 minutes late, no apology, and I had the bumpiest ride I ever experienced.
Finally we arrived at our destination!
What a huge building and what a huge set of stairs!
I informed the driver that I do not do stairs!
"OK", he says and drives over to a location where there is a long, steep ramp. I had no problem getting up that slope, BUT I'm sure there are plenty of people that would find that difficult.
What a huge building and what a huge set of stairs!
I informed the driver that I do not do stairs!
"OK", he says and drives over to a location where there is a long, steep ramp. I had no problem getting up that slope, BUT I'm sure there are plenty of people that would find that difficult.
And this is where seniors and people with disabilities have to go to renew their eligibility?
The long and short of this tale is the interview lasted close to ninety minutes where I had to answer FORTY questions!
THE WAITING GAME
I should hear from the MBTA by December 30.
If I qualified for THE RIDE years ago, I certainly qualify now.
I was taken for a ride.
One never knows.
I hope I get taken for more rides in the future!
One never knows.
I hope I get taken for more rides in the future!