Apr 18, 2015 2 min read

I read the Monday article regarding the difficult time dialysis patients are having with Washington Rides. I can’t imagine the anxiety of having to cut your treatment short because you arrived too late at the clinic. Receiving dialysis is a life and death situation, and to think that someone is late and putting themselves at risk because of public transportation is incomprehensible.

Patients undergoing medical treatments should be a top priority for the bus company. I have seen these buses sit outside apartments and houses waiting for clients who have mental disabilities and are still sleeping, leaving the drivers to waste precious time. There is no hurry for those riders going to drug intervention clinics either, as the clinics are open until late morning and usually don’t set appointments.

Maybe Washington Rides can organize those clients who must be at specific appointments due to life-threatening illnesses and use a specific bus or two for these trips, utilizing drivers who know the areas and can be as prompt as possible. I know it must be difficult to maintain these schedules, but if someone’s life is on the line because of a late or missed appointment, who then is responsible?

I’m glad these people told their stories. I feel for them and hope things will improve in the future.

Anita L. Biers

Washington