Ulster County’s Disabled Community Advocates for Increased Transportation Access
Stranded on the side of the road, searching for a gas station, or stuck at the airport due to a canceled flight – we’ve all experienced these inconveniences. But for individuals with disabilities, being stranded poses a much greater challenge. A missed bus or limited transportation options can have severe consequences for those with visual, auditory, ambulatory, or age-related difficulties.
Keith Gurgui, a systems advocate at the Resource Center for Accessible Living (RCAL), knows firsthand the importance of transportation for individuals with disabilities. After a diving accident left him paralyzed, he returned home to face a new reality and realized the significance of public services like Medicaid, home care, and transportation.
Transportation not only enables individuals to navigate the county but also allows them to participate in essential activities. Gurgui recently highlighted the difficulties faced by those relying on public transportation to attend meetings at the county office building. With limited transit options, attending in-person meetings becomes nearly impossible, forcing individuals to either leave early or miss out entirely.
The Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) offers fixed-route service, but the hours are not always convenient for those in need. The last bus from Kingston to New Paltz departs at 7 p.m., the same time the monthly county legislature meetings begin. Woodstock’s last bus leaves Kingston at 7:45 p.m., and for Ellenville residents, the 8:55 p.m. bus is their only option.
In an effort to address these issues, Gurgui and RCAL’s CEO wrote a letter in support of expanding transportation hours during legislative sessions and county business hours. However, expanding service hours presents logistical challenges, particularly with UCAT currently facing a shortage of drivers.
While paratransit service, which provides lift-equipped transportation for individuals with disabilities, exists in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it doesn’t reach everyone. Many rural areas within Ulster County lack public transit options altogether, leaving residents with limited alternatives.
Residents like Zack Hilty, who relies on a wheelchair for mobility, live far from the nearest bus route and are ineligible for paratransit service. Instead, they depend on private transportation covered by Medicaid. These challenges are not unique to Hilty, as many individuals in rural areas face similar obstacles.
The paratransit service accounts for a small percentage of UCAT’s ridership but plays a crucial role in ensuring transportation for those with disabilities. It received funding from state and federal sources, with any remaining costs being shouldered by county taxpayers.
According to estimates, approximately 12.6% of Ulster County’s population, totaling 22,972 residents, experience hearing, vision, or ambulatory issues. Each disability presents its own set of challenges, compounded by the complexities of aging. A comprehensive route study awarded to Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning, Inc aims to address these concerns and improve transportation options throughout the county.
As an interim measure, Gurgui suggests adopting two-way video conferencing platforms for committee meetings, a system widely embraced during the pandemic. This would enable individuals to participate virtually, ensuring their voices are heard regardless of their physical accessibility.
Recognizing the importance of representation, Ulster County currently has legislator Craig Lopez, who experienced a high-level spinal cord injury. If Gurgui wins the upcoming election, that representation will double, with transportation accessibility becoming a top priority.
The issue of transportation access for individuals with disabilities is a significant one that calls for creative solutions and increased support. As Ulster County’s disabled community advocates for expanded transportation options, the hope is that all residents, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy equal access to essential services and activities.
