FTA evaluation of MTA paratransit ADA compliance in Baltimore

FTA

What type of evaluation did the FTA do?

The FTA conducted a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the overall ADA compliance system of the MTA. This evaluation consisted of observations, interviews, and quantitative analysis.

Why do you think FTA officials provide an "Introduction to MTA" in the report?

The FTA officials provide the introduction to provide an overall scale of the MTA system. With over $1 billion in its budget the MTA is a very system and integral aspect of the overall Baltimore, Maryland community. The introduction therefore, serves as a starting point to show how important the overall system is to the community and constituents in Baltimore, Maryland. With over 700 buses, 200 subway cars, and 50 light rail cars, the MTA system is critical to the overall functioning of the Baltimore transportation industry. The introduction also provides an overall scale of the transit system in Baltimore, Maryland. Viewers, who read the introduction in its entirety, can realize that Baltimore appears to be thriving and growing economy. To support the growth and overall well-being of the community, the MTA system must be maintained. As the community and overall citizenry grows, so too must the system. The introduction appears to show how large and prevalent the overall MTA system is, within the Baltimore, Maryland community.

Why did the FTA provide a "Scope and Methodology" section?

The methodology section is very important as it provides reasoning as to how the FTA officials arrived at their statistics. With this section, the independent analyst is better able to determine is the techniques used were warranted, or if the assumptions provided were unreasonable. The scope section is also important as it provides the independent observer with the ability to determine if the overall scope of the investigation was warranted. FTA officials may have missed or otherwise omitted critical component to their investigation. Through the scope and methodology section, the reading is in a position to better determine the merits of the overall investigation. For example, the findings made in the report are limited to the information available to and the observations made by the review team at the time of the site visit. From an independent third party perspective, these observations may not be indicative of what is actually occurring.

Finally the scope and methodology section provides readers with the ability to determine what exactly the FTA was looking for in its investigation. This is critical to determining how effective their overall investigation is. According to the document, the FTA lists the overall components of the compliance review. This is aspect of the section is particularly meaningful as the reader can better pinpoint areas of weakness and improvement. The methodology section is very similar in this regard. The section even provides the location, date and time of the actual observations of the investigation to further assist the reader. Interestingly, the report also mentions the individuals that attended the evaluation. This is particularly important as these individuals could provide further insights into their overall observations of the FTA.

What type of analyses did FTA do to measure whether MTA was complying with the law?

The FTA conducted statements, interviews, observations, and quantitative analysis to measure whether the MTA was complying with the law. The quantitative analysis looked to address identifiable and measurable attributes of the MTA system. For example, the FTA observed drop off times to see compliance with applicable standards.

Does the FTA evaluation offer any recommendations?

Yes, according to the document, the FTA recommends basing complementary paratransit travel time on the comparable fixed route travel time, plus 20 -- 30 minutes to allow for a reasonable estimate of time spent walking to and from a bus stop. In addition the waiting time should incorporate ample time for the bus to arrive, and make any necessary transfers from one vehicle to another. In addition the MTA will also increase telephone capacity to better accommodate incoming calls regarding travel. On time drop off performance was also lagging indicating high capacity in the system. In appears, according to the report, that the system is not large enough to accommodate the needs of the overall Baltimore population. To address this concern, within 60 days of the issuance of the final report, MTA will begin to analyze its subscription trips for all mobility service providers to compare these hours with times when there are capacity constraints. During those hours, MTA must limit subscription service, if needed. In addition, the MTA does not have written standards for on-time drop off performance. This is particularly bothersome, as the drop off performance of the system has been lagging. To better address this issue, within 60 days, the MTA will establish on time drop off procedures and will be monitored for compliance with the overall procedures.

References:

1) Urbanized Formula Funding (5307). Federal Transit Administration

2) Bus and Bus Facilities (5309, 5318). Federal Transit Administration