July 27, 2015
STAR Service Essential to Quality of Life for Capital Region Residents with Disabilities
ALBANY, NY (July 24, 2015) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) along with other transit agencies across the country will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) on Sunday, July 26.
To watch a video message from CDTA's CEO about the 25th Anniversary of the ADA click here
The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in conjunction with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), highlights the critical role public transportation plays in providing independence and opportunity not only in the Capital Region but across the country for people with disabilities. The New York public transportation industry has improved and expanded accessibility of public transit services and facilities for persons with disabilities.
“On this 25th anniversary of ADA, let us not forget that our services are a lifeline for hundreds of Capital Region residents and especially those individuals with disabilities,” said David M. Stackrow, CDTA Board Chairman. “Public transportation provides freedom, independence and access to jobs, our attractions or simply to visit family and friends.”
CDTA offers Special Transit Available by Request (STAR) which is para-transit service offering transportation alternatives to people whom at certain times cannot use, or have substantial limits using, the CDTA fixed-route bus system because of a disability or impairment. STAR is complimentary to CDTA’s fixed route bus system and operates within 3/4 of a mile of CDTA’s fixed route on the same days and times that CDTA’s fixed route bus system operates. CDTA provides eligibility for paratransit service to individuals who live outside of the STAR service area but can only receive STAR service for travel within the current CDTA service area.
Stackrow said, “What really makes me proud is that STAR has been in operation longer than the ADA in fact 5 years longer. So in a lot of ways we are ahead of the curve providing transportation to people with special needs in a very efficient and effective way.”
For more information about CDTA’s STAR service visit http://www.cdta.org/node/56
If you would like more information about the Americans with Disabilities Act visit http://adaanniversary.org/home