Thanks to everyone who joined in our IMAGE Center LIVE CHAT – Transportation on Monday, April 13, 2020! We had some great discussion. Below is the transcript of the chat during the discussion.
Please note that we have done our best to get the most up to date information but as this situation is extremely fluid, please double check with agencies for the most up to date information.
Maryland Transit Administration website provides updated information: mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus
Transit Information Contact Center from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 410-539-5000.
Mobility information can be accessed by calling 410-764-8181
From Amanda Taylor to Everyone: Hi everyone! This is Amanda Taylor: ataylor@imagemd.org
From Steven Gravelle to Everyone: Hello Amanda. This is Steve Gravelle from The Arc Baltimore
From Jade Gingerich to Everyone:
Jade Gingerich from MD Dept of Disabilities is here
hey Mike!
From mdlclaptop to Everyone: Lauren Young from Disability Rights Maryland is here….hello to all.
From Image Center to Everyone: Hi Everyone! We’ll be trying to capture notes and information as the discussion happens.
Hi Martin! Glad you could join us!
From Cheryl Gottlieb to Everyone: hi Lauren!
From Kariza Goncalves to Everyone: Kariza Goncalves from Stevenson University…hello all! I’ve been seeking employment at the IMAGE Center and Mike has been kind enough to add me to the weekly Zoom meetings!
From Image Center to Everyone:
Hi Kariza! We’re glad you’re here!
Terri Seitz – Ztrip is an app that is similar to Uber but they have a van for people in wheelchairs.
From Cheryl Gottlieb to Everyone: imperfectfoods.com
From Amanda Taylor to Everyone:
Safeway pharmacy delivered my medicine and it was wonderful – same day availability. They typically have you fill out a form in person but they made an exception and just went through with the delivery.
Thrive Market is a delivery service for healthy food options, supplements, etc. but I have heard they are backed up like other services.
From Linda Pearl to Everyone: Huge storm. I’m checking out and turning off my computer.
From Amanda Taylor to Everyone: Purple Carrot and Daily Harvest are other healthy food delivery options. Purple Carrot has a lot of vegetarian/vegan options.
From Image Center to Everyone:
The Maryland Farmer’s Market Association has developed a map to help people to find local farmers and markets. Some have curbside pickup and delivery. You can use the map here: https://marylandfma.org/food/where-to-buy-local-while-social-distancing-on-farm-pickups-and-more/
From Amanda Taylor to Everyone:
Great resource, Heather!
From Jaime McKay to Everyone: The website being discussed is available at https://www.transit.dot.gov/coronavirus
From Cheryl Gottlieb to Everyone:
can I please get a copy of the fact sheet
MTA MobilityLINK & Covid-19 Fact Sheet from Disability Rights Maryland
From Jade Gingerich to Everyone: Has anyone tried/had to access covid testing using public transit?
From Image Center to Everyone:
check mta.maryland.gov/coronavirus for the most recent and accurate information
Call the Transit Information Contact Center or Mobility if you need to speak with someone with a specific question
Jaime, can you give us the phone number? (see below)
From Kariza Goncalves to Everyone:
Question, how is mobility taking social distancing precautions with their passengers? less passengers, drivers wearing masks, using the buses only…etc?
From Jaime McKay to Everyone:
Hi, IMAGE Center. Riders needing assistance with trip planning can contact the Transit Information Contact Center from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday at 410-539-5000.
From Image Center to Everyone: Thanks, Jaime!
From Jaime McKay to Everyone: Mobility information can be accessed by calling 410-764-8181. I am pleased to assist.
From stephanieschwartz to Everyone:
Meals on Wheels in Baltimore County does have Grocery Assist Program that can accept their SNAP benefits
https://www.mealsonwheelsmd.org/programs-partnerships/ Go to the bottom for more information and the application link for Grocery Assist
From Brockington Crystal to Everyone: Thanks, Stephanie!
Other Updated information:
Maryland Transit Resources under Covid19.
The following information is provided courtesy of the National Federation of the Blind
Public Transportation Information for Specific Systems
MTA: MTA continues to operate but Marc, Light rail, and most fixed transit bus lines are on a reduced schedule. Some fixed route bus lines have been suspended. Mobility is operating to provide essential trips only, which includes medical appointments, grocery shopping, pharmacy visits, dialysis, and jobs deemed essential. Individuals using the fixed route bus service must board and disembark at the rear door unless they need access to the wheelchair ramp. Fares have been suspended. For the most up-to-date information about MTA, visit https://www.mta.maryland.gov/.
MTA Commuter Bus: MTA Maryland Commuter Bus is operating on an “S” schedule only.
Baltimore Metro Subway and Light Rail: Metro Subway and Light Rail will operate on a Saturday schedule on weekdays. See all MTA transit changes here .
MTA Express BusLink Service: MTA is temporarily discontinuing 11 routes that recently experienced an average of 82% decline in ridership. These routes include all nine peak-hour Express BusLink routes and LocalLinks 38 and 92, which primarily serve schools that are now closed.
RTA: RTA fixed route is operating on an enhanced “Saturday/Sunday schedule” and all FARES will be temporarily suspended. RIDERS should use the Transit App for real-time data and schedules. The Modified Schedule is available but may change. RTA paratransit service has changed its hours of operations to 9:30AM to 4:45PM Monday through Friday.
Metro Rail: Metro has reduced rail service such that trains will now run every 15 minutes on the Red Line and every 20 minutes on all other lines. Weekday hours are still 5:00AM to 11:00PM. Metro rail will bypass more than a dozen stations. Click to Find out which stations are closed .
Metro Bus: Metrobuses are running on a Sunday schedule with no supplemental routes. Bus drivers will have the authority to bypass bus stops to “maintain safe social distancing aboard buses,” Metro said. Riders should use the rear doors to enter and exit unless the accessible ramp is needed. Fares will be waived.
DC Circulator: The DC Circulator is for the most-part operating with reduced service. The National Mall Route has been suspended, as has all late night service. Riders should use the rear doors to enter and exit unless the accessible ramp is needed. Fares will be waived.
Ride On and Ride On extra: Ride On bus service has been reduced to an Essential Service Plan. Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation expects buses will be delayed and encourages users to check the status of their usual buses before leaving for their bus stop. Ride On follows a new reduced service plan that maintains coverage of Ride On routes so that residents can access food, essential services, and essential jobs. Passengers are now required to board at the rear door of the bus. Passengers can board through the front doors if a lift is needed to accommodate a disability or stroller. During the emergency, all Ride On services will be temporarily free to all passengers. Flex service is suspended.
The Bus: The Prince George’s County system will suspend routes 11, 12, 14, 15x, 21x, 22, 23, 25, 27, 34, 35s, 51 and 53 while running reduced service on 16, 17, 18, 20, 21 and 32. The routes still running will be free. Riders will only be allowed to enter using the rear doors, to limit contact with the driver. However, exceptions will be made for people with disabilities or those with strollers.
ART: Art is operating on a reduced schedule. ART 41, 42, 45, 51, 55, 77 and 87 are running on a Saturday schedule. ART 42 and 87 will end at the Pentagon instead of Pentagon City, ART 45 will start an hour early at 6:30 a.m. and ART 43 will run every 20 minutes from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. along its weekday route. All other routes are suspended.
PRTC OmniRide: Local and Metro Express services will be free to limit interactions between the driver, fare box and riders. OmniRide Express services will still have fares, but there will not be a cash option or the option to reload a SmarTrip with cash on a bus. The main lobby of the OmniRide Transit Center is also closed.
FRED: FRED Transit‘s VRE Feeder Bus Service is operating on an “S” schedule. VQ1 and D6 will not operate.
Additional information can be found at https://wtop.com/dc-transit/2020/03/local-and-regional-transit-services-adjust-to-coronavirus-presence/
Mike Bullis thanked everyone for calling and participating in the calls and answering questions. Please contact the IMAGE Center with questions or concerns! The office number is 410-982-6311 or via email at info@imagemd.org
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