KHOU-11 reports that MetroLift is having problems keeping to its scheduled pick-up times:
“I pay for this [MetroLift] and I call and call and complain and complain and all they say is we’ll try to do better but they never get better,” said Flores.
The wait has become the topic of conversation at the Senior Citizen Center in southeast Houston.
Alicia Valadez knows the drill all too well. “It’s okay, 30 minutes, but when they don’t come in one hour is when you’re feeling so bad.”
Monday, 11 News waited with the women and tried figuring out why their ride was 30 minutes late.
Finally, one hour after the scheduled pick up time, the wait was over.
Art Jackson manages the MetroLift services.
He said the delays are not acceptable and are due in part to changes within the department. “It’s going to be an inconvenience for many of our customers right now but we’re working through those.”
[snip]
Metro said the transition process won’t be complete for another few months.
Well, well. Here’s a nice little look into the current state of (rail-obsessed) Metro. We have often made the point that Metro’s main purpose is to provide transportation services to the poor and the elderly. MetroLift is one of those services that is crucial to so many people who don’t have any other transportation options, yet it’s obviously low on Metro’s priority page, as Metro officials focus on how to get light rail and bus rapid transit lines approved.
So, let’s visit the MetroLift page to see what’s what:
Please call the Dispatch office at 713-225-0410 the night before your trip to find out what time the driver has you scheduled. This will help pinpoint your scheduled time. Be ready and waiting 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
[snip]
We rely on you to let us know if your vehicle is late. The longer you wait, the longer it takes for us to respond. If the vehicle has not arrived at the scheduled time, call 713-225-0410 immediately. Repeat this process every 15 minutes until you receive service. If a third call is necessary, ask to speak to a supervisor. By contacting METROLift immediately, you assist in eliminating unnecessary delays in providing service. Remember, don’t wait if your vehicle is late.
Nowhere on MetroLift’s information page did I find details of a “transition process.” Did Metro send out a notice to MetroLift patrons with details of the transition process and how it could impact riders? Did KHOU-11’s reporter ask any further questions of Metro? How much longer will Mayor White and City Council allow Metro to treat the public it’s supposed to serve so poorly?
