Jonesboro, Arkansas is a bustling city located in the northeastern region of the state. With a population of over 75,000 people, it is the fifth-largest city in Arkansas and serves as a hub for education, healthcare, and commerce. As with any city, transportation is a crucial aspect of daily life for its residents. However, for individuals with disabilities, accessibility is a major concern when it comes to transportation options.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed in 1990 to ensure equal rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.This includes accessibility in public transportation. Under the ADA, all public transportation systems must provide accessible services to individuals with disabilities. In Jonesboro, the ADA has been implemented through the Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (JMAT). JMAT is responsible for planning and coordinating transportation services in the Jonesboro area, including those for individuals with disabilities.
Public Transportation Options
One of the main forms of public transportation in Jonesboro is the Jonesboro Economical Transit (JET) bus system. JET operates 10 fixed routes throughout the city and offers paratransit services for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed routes. The JET buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts or ramps and have designated wheelchair spaces on board.The buses also have audio and visual announcements to assist individuals with visual or hearing impairments. JET also offers a reduced fare program for individuals with disabilities who meet certain criteria. In addition to JET, there are also several taxi companies in Jonesboro that offer accessible vehicles for individuals with disabilities. These include Yellow Cab, City Cab, and A-1 Taxi. These companies have vehicles equipped with wheelchair ramps or lifts and trained drivers to assist individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility of Public Transportation
While JET and the taxi companies in Jonesboro offer accessible services, there are still some challenges for individuals with disabilities when it comes to using public transportation.One of the main issues is the lack of sidewalks and curb cuts in certain areas of the city. This can make it difficult for individuals with mobility impairments to access bus stops or hail a taxi. Another challenge is the limited hours of operation for JET. The buses only run from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekdays and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturdays. This can be problematic for individuals who work late or need to travel outside of these hours. Furthermore, while JET does offer paratransit services, there are eligibility requirements that must be met in order to use this service.
This can be a barrier for individuals with disabilities who may not meet these requirements but still require accessible transportation.
Improving Accessibility
The city of Jonesboro has recognized the need for improved accessibility in public transportation and has taken steps to address these issues. In 2019, the city received a grant from the Federal Transit Administration to make improvements to sidewalks and curb cuts in areas where public transportation is heavily used. In addition, JMAT has been working on a comprehensive plan to improve accessibility in public transportation. This includes expanding the hours of operation for JET, increasing the number of accessible bus stops, and providing more training for drivers on how to assist individuals with disabilities.Other Transportation Options
Aside from public transportation, there are other options available for individuals with disabilities in Jonesboro. The city has a Dial-A-Ride program, which provides door-to-door transportation for individuals with disabilities who are unable to use the fixed routes of JET.This service is available on weekdays from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. For individuals who require specialized medical transportation, there are several companies in Jonesboro that offer this service. These include Angel Care Medical Transportation, Med-Trans, and Air Evac Lifeteam.
