Metro Transit recently provided a series of updates on the status of their efforts to improve Metro Call-A-Ride service.
Metro ADA Customer Advisory Group: Metro’s ADA Services Team is working to re-establish the ADA Customer Advisory Group. This group, made up of individuals with disabilities and connections to the disability community, are working on creating a mission statement, identifying best practices, and sharing their own lived experiences. The recruitment process for new members will take place at the next ADA Customer Advisory Group meeting on July 25. If you are interested in being a part of the Advisory Group, contact Amy Parker, ADA Coordinator at 314-982-1525 or by email at ADACoordinator@MetroStLouis.org.
Phone System: Metro reports some are still experiencing issues with the new phone tree system put in place earlier this year. If you have experienced an issue with the phone system, Metro asks that you send an email to CustomerService@MetroStLouis.org or call 314-982-1505 (option 5). Include the following information:
- Description of issue
- Phone number you used to call when you experienced the issue
- Time of call
- Date of call
- Your name and contact information
In late May Metro will be proceeding with a transition to a new phone provider for the Call-A-Ride system. There will be a short phone outage and Metro will communicate more information to Call-A-Ride customers about what to expect on that day.
Reservation and Dispatching Software: Metro plans to have updated reservation and scheduling software in place by the end of 2024. A vendor contract will be negotiated this summer, with software testing and staff training to take place in fall 2024.
Community Engagement: Metro has established a new community engagement effort called, “Community Connect.” These in-person and virtual meetings allow transit users to interact with Metro Transit staff, hear about updates, and share their own knowledge and experiences to influence Metro Transit decisions. Metro reports that the April round of engagement was focused on ADA issues. Information about May meetings can be seen here:
- Tuesday, May 21: 5-7 PM at the Urban League Ferguson Community Empowerment Center
- Wednesday, May 22: 5-7 PM at the Cherokee Center
- Wednesday, May 29: 2-4 PM at the Deaconess Center for Child Well Being
- Thursday, May 30: 2-4 PM – Virtual meeting, registration details will be announced later
Proposed Next-Day Only Reservations for Call-A-Ride: Metro Transit has been hearing from their customers that they want the option for on-demand or next-day reservations. Metro Transit received over 150 comments on this topic via a public comment form in April. Metro Transit is continuing to explore this option and will announce any decisions during May/June engagement events.