Re “The Fading Tide May Be Changing Stouvenel’s Mind”
[img]2663|right|James Stouvenel||no_popup[/img]The ardent No. 1 critic of Culver City’s slightly controversial blind-ride-free bus policy said this morning that he has a panacea that would end the present two-month dispute:
“Every blind person now riding the Culver CityBus system,” said James Stouvenel of Palmdale, “should switch to Access Services, where they, and everyone else, can ride for free on Access’s Fixed Route program.
“The Fixed Route plan will take passengers virtually anywhere they want to travel.”
Other disabled passengers on Culver CityBus are charged 35 cents per trip.
For Access passengers seeking a specific, unique destination, off the route, fares range from $2.75 to $3.50, Access said this morning.
Presently, there is no motivation for blind riders in Culver City to change their traveling habits.
The City Council unanimously voted last week to affirm its current policy of permitting the blind, along among riders with disabilities, to ride free anywhere Culver City busses travel.
A week after his most recent public statement, Mr. Stouvenel – who ignited this controversy in May when he informally accused City Hall of violating equality statutes – appeared rejuvenated and less discouraged than he was last Friday morning.
A 40-year-old with cerebral palsy among other disabilities, the Antelope Valley transportation activist made two main points:
- Access Services is the ultimate solution to this still simmering debate, and
- Mr. Stouvenel, asserting that he unwaveringly is committed to equality for all, probably without exception, still does intend to travel into Culver City from his distant home base and physically challenge the policy.
