Valley Metro Dedicates New Initiative to Broaden Access to Travel

As our nation marks the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Valley Metro advances its commitment to provide accessible transit to all riders. The Valley Metro Accessibility Advisory Group (VMAAG) brings together community leaders and members who will advise Valley Metro on programs, services and policies that impact people with disabilities.

“Public transit exists so that we can all access jobs, school, medical services and everything our community has to offer,” said Scott Smith, interim Valley Metro CEO. “By incorporating the expertise of people with disabilities and agencies serving the disability community into how we design, build and operate bus, light rail, Dial-a-Ride and all our other transportation services, we will be helping to ensure that these critical services are accessible for everyone.”

The VMAAG consists of local transit riders and representatives from community partners including the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues, National Federation of the Blind of Arizona, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center and the cities of Chandler and Peoria. The first meeting is July 27, 2016.

The establishment of the VMAAG comes as Valley Metro, in partnership with 15 cities and Maricopa County, implements local Dial-a-Ride improvements including the elimination of transfers. More than 200 regional trips were successfully completed on July 1, 2016, the first day of regional Dial-a-Ride service.