By Bob Leabow
Re “The Fading Tide May Be Changing Stouvenel’s Mind”
As I recall with a blast from the past, blind people and postal workers (before they went postal) could ride public transit for free.
Is the problem like most of our laws — one size fits all, with no exceptions? A blind person cannot drive a car, at least today with existing technology. But other disabled people can. Since a blind person cannot drive and in many situations is very limited to the type of work he/she can do, should all disabled people be treated equal?
Should a person with dyslexia receive special treatment of reduced fares on public transit?
A blind person may need assistance in even finding a seat. A person in a wheelchair may need assistance in securing his/her wheelchair, but still can see if the location is available.
Should all seniors get the same discount?
Is this really a non-issue issue?
What percentage of the total ridership are blind? How is giving blind people a free ride any different than giving some types of businesses tax breaks?
This sounds like sour grapes on the part of James S. that he cannot get a free ride when someone even less fortunate can.
How does James S. get to Culver City? If he drives, this is a non-issue. Does he take Metrolink? If so, Metrolink tickets and passes are good for “free” transportation on most local transit.
If Culver City honors Metrolink’s fare for free passage, then again this is a non-issue.
The main problem is too many transit agencies – each has different requirements and fare structures.
This IMHO is more of a problem for transit users than a hand full of blind people who may ride Culver City lines.
Mr. Leabow may be contacted at rl@acinetcom.com
