Sep 29, 2014 4 min read

Brandon Shuttleworth, who is blind, was stranded by Washington Rides paratransit at the Washington & Jefferson College radio station this past spring, and he was able to return to California University of Pennsylvania only because a kind soul from Dormont drove the extra miles to give him a lift.

He was also dropped off in a rear parking lot of the Stewart Building, East Maiden Street, despite the fact it would be easier for him to navigate, white cane in hand, from the street to the building’s front door.

“Whom do we hold accountable?” he asked moderator Daniel Kleinmann at a meeting Monday on transit issues organized by Tri-County Patriots for Independent Living.

Met by a driver whose sole method of communication is a beeping horn, Shuttleworth hopes those at the wheel could receive “a little bit more sensitivity training.”

Shuttleworth’s situation was the latest in a litany of problems would-be passengers experienced in the past few months as Washington Rides adopted computer software aiming to consolidate trips and save money. Those who use the service said they were charged for doctor’s appointments for which the paratransit service caused them to arrive late; what should be short trips last for hours; and drivers pass one passenger’s destination to drop off others.

Some praised First Transit, the provider of the majority of trips in Washington County and points north and west, instead laying blame at the feet of the transportation authority. Others expressed deep disappointment in First Transit and its staff.

Cheryl Gannon of Washington questioned the 90-minute advance pick-up times for local medical appointments, the same window for those making trips to Pittsburgh. Lisa Foltz of Washington, whose problems with Washington Rides spurred changes in the operation, gave accolades to a First Transit driver named “Bob,” whom she said handles Pittsburgh traffic with remarkable deftness.

Steve Walls of Washington said he and his brother, John, used the paratransit service for many years. “I think Washington County has one of the best programs,” Walls said. “Is it perfect? No.” Esther Georgopoulous of Washington told the crowd of about 40 they should instead be grateful.

Tim Mullen, district manager of First Transit, said the firm added four additional runs. Dispatchers and staff members had more training on the Ecolane software program. The company’s starting wage for drivers is $12 per hour.

Sheila Gombita, executive director of the Washington County Transportation Authority, said First Transit’s on-time performance rate stood at 79 percent the week of Aug. 25, but last week it increased to 88 percent. The county’s other provider, Tri-County Access, achieved 96 percent ratings for both weeks, but tragedy struck Sept. 8 when a passenger from Charleroi died of injuries she received while riding in a Tri-County vehicle.

Those with complaints about Washington Rides’ service can call 724-223-8747 or 1-800-331-5058.

The Washington County Transportation Authority, which oversees the Washington Rides and other transportation programs, will have some decisions to make next month. Both First Transit’s and Tri-County Access’ contracts are due to expire Nov. 30.

First Transit’s contract is $3.2 million annually while Tri-County’s is $1.6 million. Both were set to expire June 30, but the board granted extensions. The authority board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 7, at 382 West Chestnut St., Washington.

“We’ll be deciding on extensions or rebidding,” said authority board member Don Angelone.

TRIPIL plans its next transit meeting for 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 27, at its offices 69 East Beau St. Although the transportation authority footed the bill for those using Washington Rides to get to and from Monday’s meeting and a similar one in August, officials were unable to commit to offering the free service for the October meeting.