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BART to S.J. would help disabled vets |
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14 October 2008
Written by Patrick Finan, as published in the Mercury News
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This Election Day voters will be considering Measure B to bring BART service to San Jose, and from the perspective of a blind traveler this is a wonderful idea. There are many challenges persons with disabilities face daily, none more daunting than transportation. While some services have made vast improvements in general accessibility issues (ramps, wheelchair lifts, etc.) one major hurdle remains: availability. The BART extension will open new possibilities for employment, recreation and health care to many thousands of taxpaying Californians with disabilities.
In my professional work with disabled veterans I regularly hear of their difficulties with affordable, accessible and available public transit. One specific barrier for these veterans is the fact that in order to access health care, therapy and many other VA services they must travel to and from distant BART stations in Fremont, Union City and San Mateo. Additionally, many riders must coordinate with local para-transit services such as Santa Clara County's superb Outreach service to complete their journeys. The addition of BART service in the San Jose region would immensely benefit the general population and have immeasurable positive effects on our local population of disabled veterans. Patrick Finan
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 14 October 2008 22:05 )
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