FW: Introducing Access-A-Ride MetroCards
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michael godino
May 7, 2013, 10:28:30 AM5/7/13
to brooklynsystem...@googlegroups.com, BCID employment list, DiRoma Ruth, Joan peters, Kim Wilson-Byers, Lucy Siderman, Marvin Wasserman, Michael Godino, Milagros Franco, Princess Davis, Raphael Rivas, RJo...@bcid.org, Sandrina Kingston, Veronica Quintyn
All,
Below Michael levy's e mail and attached are two notices: 1, the letter that will accompany your AAR metro card and 2, the instructions on how to use the card for free public transportation (buses and subways) not free AAR.
Mike Godino
Director of Advocacy, BCID
Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, Inc.
27 Smith Street, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201-5111
Voice: 718-998-3000
TTY: 718-998-7406
Fax: 718-998-3743
mgo...@bcid.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Levy, Michael [mailto:Michae...@nyct.com]
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 12:47 PM
To: vqui...@bcid.org; mgo...@bcid.org; advo...@bcid.org; Skin...@bcid.org
Subject: Introducing Access-A-Ride MetroCards
The MTA has begun to distribute a new Access-A-Ride MetroCard exclusively for Access-A-Ride Paratransit customers. This new AAR MetroCard affords Paratransit customers the opportunity and flexibility to take up to four FREE trips a day using, subways, local buses and Staten Island Railway. The distribution process will continue over the next 18 months, until each of Access-A-Ride’s approximately 170,000 customers has received his or her MetroCard.
Attached is the material that each customer will receive with his or her Access-A-Ride MetroCard.
Michael Levy
Director, Travel Training
Paratransit Division, Department of Buses, MTA New York City Transit
Dear MTA Access-A-Ride (AAR) MetroCard Customer:
Your new MTA AAR MetroCard is enclosed. You previously received your AAR approval letter and information packet notifying you of your eligibility for AAR.
As noted in your information packet, the AAR MetroCard entitles you to ride AAR Paratransit Service at the current bus/subway fare. The AAR MetroCard also entitles you to free fare on NYC Transit subways, NYC Transit and MTA Bus local buses, MTA Staten Island Railway and the Roosevelt Island Tram.
If you have been approved to travel with a personal care attendant (PCA), your PCA also travels free when he/she accompanies you on the above listed modes of transportation. When boarding the bus, you must dip your card a second time to permit your PCA to accompany you on board the vehicle. When entering a subway station, you must swipe your card at the turnstile a second time to permit your PCA to also enter. Any additional persons travelling with you must pay the applicable fare.
Please note that you are allowed up to four (4) one way trips a day when using your AAR MetroCard on regular fixed route transit service.
If you have not received your approval letter and information packet or if you have any questions, please call AAR at 1-877-337-2017 and press “1” for Eligibility to speak with a representative. Representatives are available from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
Thank you for riding with us.
Sincerely,
MTA AAR MetroCard Program
MTA Access-A-Ride MetroCard
Conditions of Use and Other Important Information
MTA AAR MetroCard issued to individuals who have been determined eligible for AAR.
AAR is the Paratransit Service for people with disabilities managed by MTA NYC Transit. Valid Use: AAR MetroCard can be used on all AAR Paratransit Service when paying the current bus/subway fare. The AAR MetroCard also entitles the customer to free fare on NYC Transit subways, NYC Transit and MTA Bus local buses, MTA Staten Island Railway, and the Roosevelt Island Tram.
Personal Care Attendant Status: If a customer has been approved by AAR to travel with a personal care attendant (PCA), the PCA also travels free of charge when he/she accompanies the AAR customer on the above listed modes of transportation.
If an AAR customer has been approved for a PCA, only one person is permitted to travel with the customer free of charge. Additional persons traveling with the customer must pay the applicable transit fare.
When boarding the bus, the AAR customer must dip his/her card a second time to permit the PCA to accompany him/her on board the vehicle.
When entering a subway station, the AAR customer must swipe the card at the turnstile a second time to permit the PCA to enter.
Expiration Date: The AAR MetroCard expires on the date printed on the front of the card.
Trip Limits: AAR customers are permitted to take up to four (4) one-way trips a day when using the AAR MetroCard on regular fixed route transit service.
Trouble Using the Card: An AAR MetroCard that does not work or is damaged should be returned to:
MTA New York City Transit
Paratransit Division, Eligibility Unit
130 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Be sure to include your name, mailing address and phone number, your damaged AAR MetroCard and an explanation of the problem you are experiencing with the card.
Change of Address: Notices and replacement cards will be sent to you at the address you provided. You must inform AAR promptly, in writing, of any change of address. Please use the above address to inform us of the change.
Lost or Stolen Cards: Immediately report a lost or stolen card by calling AAR at 1-877-337-2017. There will be a $10.00 charge for any replacement card. There is no charge to replace a damaged card that is returned to us.
Restrictions: The AAR MetroCard may be used only by the person to whom it has been validly issued. Use of the AAR MetroCard by any other person may result in the termination of AAR registration, plus civil and/or criminal penalties.
The City of New York, the State of New York and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and it subsidiaries and affiliates, including New York City Transit, are not liable for any special or consequential damages associated with or resulting from the failure, malfunction, or disabling of the AAR MetroCard or the MetroCard system.
The AAR MetroCard and its use are subject to all tariff provisions, rules and regulations of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Transit and its affiliates.
Below Michael levy's e mail and attached are two notices: 1, the letter that will accompany your AAR metro card and 2, the instructions on how to use the card for free public transportation (buses and subways) not free AAR.
Mike Godino
Director of Advocacy, BCID
Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled, Inc.
27 Smith Street, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201-5111
Voice: 718-998-3000
TTY: 718-998-7406
Fax: 718-998-3743
mgo...@bcid.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Levy, Michael [mailto:Michae...@nyct.com]
Sent: Monday, May 06, 2013 12:47 PM
To: vqui...@bcid.org; mgo...@bcid.org; advo...@bcid.org; Skin...@bcid.org
Subject: Introducing Access-A-Ride MetroCards
The MTA has begun to distribute a new Access-A-Ride MetroCard exclusively for Access-A-Ride Paratransit customers. This new AAR MetroCard affords Paratransit customers the opportunity and flexibility to take up to four FREE trips a day using, subways, local buses and Staten Island Railway. The distribution process will continue over the next 18 months, until each of Access-A-Ride’s approximately 170,000 customers has received his or her MetroCard.
Attached is the material that each customer will receive with his or her Access-A-Ride MetroCard.
Michael Levy
Director, Travel Training
Paratransit Division, Department of Buses, MTA New York City Transit
Dear MTA Access-A-Ride (AAR) MetroCard Customer:
Your new MTA AAR MetroCard is enclosed. You previously received your AAR approval letter and information packet notifying you of your eligibility for AAR.
As noted in your information packet, the AAR MetroCard entitles you to ride AAR Paratransit Service at the current bus/subway fare. The AAR MetroCard also entitles you to free fare on NYC Transit subways, NYC Transit and MTA Bus local buses, MTA Staten Island Railway and the Roosevelt Island Tram.
If you have been approved to travel with a personal care attendant (PCA), your PCA also travels free when he/she accompanies you on the above listed modes of transportation. When boarding the bus, you must dip your card a second time to permit your PCA to accompany you on board the vehicle. When entering a subway station, you must swipe your card at the turnstile a second time to permit your PCA to also enter. Any additional persons travelling with you must pay the applicable fare.
Please note that you are allowed up to four (4) one way trips a day when using your AAR MetroCard on regular fixed route transit service.
If you have not received your approval letter and information packet or if you have any questions, please call AAR at 1-877-337-2017 and press “1” for Eligibility to speak with a representative. Representatives are available from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
Thank you for riding with us.
Sincerely,
MTA AAR MetroCard Program
MTA Access-A-Ride MetroCard
Conditions of Use and Other Important Information
MTA AAR MetroCard issued to individuals who have been determined eligible for AAR.
AAR is the Paratransit Service for people with disabilities managed by MTA NYC Transit. Valid Use: AAR MetroCard can be used on all AAR Paratransit Service when paying the current bus/subway fare. The AAR MetroCard also entitles the customer to free fare on NYC Transit subways, NYC Transit and MTA Bus local buses, MTA Staten Island Railway, and the Roosevelt Island Tram.
Personal Care Attendant Status: If a customer has been approved by AAR to travel with a personal care attendant (PCA), the PCA also travels free of charge when he/she accompanies the AAR customer on the above listed modes of transportation.
If an AAR customer has been approved for a PCA, only one person is permitted to travel with the customer free of charge. Additional persons traveling with the customer must pay the applicable transit fare.
When boarding the bus, the AAR customer must dip his/her card a second time to permit the PCA to accompany him/her on board the vehicle.
When entering a subway station, the AAR customer must swipe the card at the turnstile a second time to permit the PCA to enter.
Expiration Date: The AAR MetroCard expires on the date printed on the front of the card.
Trip Limits: AAR customers are permitted to take up to four (4) one-way trips a day when using the AAR MetroCard on regular fixed route transit service.
Trouble Using the Card: An AAR MetroCard that does not work or is damaged should be returned to:
MTA New York City Transit
Paratransit Division, Eligibility Unit
130 Livingston Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Be sure to include your name, mailing address and phone number, your damaged AAR MetroCard and an explanation of the problem you are experiencing with the card.
Change of Address: Notices and replacement cards will be sent to you at the address you provided. You must inform AAR promptly, in writing, of any change of address. Please use the above address to inform us of the change.
Lost or Stolen Cards: Immediately report a lost or stolen card by calling AAR at 1-877-337-2017. There will be a $10.00 charge for any replacement card. There is no charge to replace a damaged card that is returned to us.
Restrictions: The AAR MetroCard may be used only by the person to whom it has been validly issued. Use of the AAR MetroCard by any other person may result in the termination of AAR registration, plus civil and/or criminal penalties.
The City of New York, the State of New York and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and it subsidiaries and affiliates, including New York City Transit, are not liable for any special or consequential damages associated with or resulting from the failure, malfunction, or disabling of the AAR MetroCard or the MetroCard system.
The AAR MetroCard and its use are subject to all tariff provisions, rules and regulations of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Transit and its affiliates.
Patrick Saunders
May 7, 2013, 12:56:07 PM5/7/13
to BrooklynSystem...@googlegroups.com
How would this work with persons using the former Acess-A-Ride ID pass
to get onto the subway/bus at reduced fare rates? i.e. the back door way
to get a reduced fare benefit under certain circumstances. Normally they
make you get a paper ticket rom the subway booth attendant which
entitles you to a free return trip after you have paid the full fare OR
you just pay the half fare on the bus in exact change when you show the
ID card.
Now this letter says you just simply swipe this new card instead for
FREE trips?? I must be missing something in this process because that
sounds WAY too good to be true. Theoretically this would let one travel
the MTA subway/bus systems fully gratis without ever paying if you dont
get on the paratransit.
Please explain?
to get onto the subway/bus at reduced fare rates? i.e. the back door way
to get a reduced fare benefit under certain circumstances. Normally they
make you get a paper ticket rom the subway booth attendant which
entitles you to a free return trip after you have paid the full fare OR
you just pay the half fare on the bus in exact change when you show the
ID card.
Now this letter says you just simply swipe this new card instead for
FREE trips?? I must be missing something in this process because that
sounds WAY too good to be true. Theoretically this would let one travel
the MTA subway/bus systems fully gratis without ever paying if you dont
get on the paratransit.
Please explain?
gabriela amari
May 7, 2013, 1:30:11 PM5/7/13
to BrooklynSystem...@googlegroups.com
Hi,
Here is the info on this AAR Metro Card Program:
All About your new Access-A-Ride (AAR) MetroCardTM
The MTA has introduced a new Access-A-Ride (AAR) MetroCard program exclusively for Paratransit customers. The program will roll out over an 18-month period, until all 170,000 AAR customers receive an AAR MetroCard.
The new AAR MetroCard gives Paratransit customers the opportunity and flexibility to take a total of four free trips a day using the subways, local buses, and Staten Island Railway (SIR).
Q. Does the new program affect my current Paratransit eligibility status?
A. No. The new Access-A-Ride (AAR) MetroCard issued by NYC Transit will serve as both your Paratransit customer identification card to use when you ride Access-A-Ride and as a MetroCard if you opt to use public transit.
Q. Can I use my new AAR MetroCard to pay for Paratransit trips?
A. No. You cannot use your AAR MetroCard to pay for Paratransit vehicle trips or voucher trips. The fare for Paratransit vehicle trips remains the same as the full fare on public transit. Please show your AAR MetroCard to the driver when you board a Paratransit vehicle and pay the regular fare.
Q. How do I use my AAR MetroCard to ride on public transit?
A. First, remember, you can ride free of charge for up to four trips a day. A day is a 24-hour calendar day, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. Like any other MetroCard, you get an automatic free transfer between the subway and a local bus route, Staten Island Railway and a local bus, or between two local bus routes.
On local buses, “dip” your AAR MetroCard into the farebox and it will pop up again. If you use a lift to enter a bus, show your card to the bus operator. In the subway, “swipe” your AAR MetroCard through the turnstile. If you use an assistive device for mobility or travel with a service animal, you can enter/exit ADA-accessible subway stations by dipping your AAR MetroCard in an AutoGate farebox, which will read your card; your card will then pop up. The AutoGate will open to either allow you entry or exit. For more information, click on:. Traveling on MTA Subways or Traveling on MTA Buses
Q. Can I use my AAR MetroCard to ride express buses free of charge?
A. No. However, you pay reduced fare during non-rush hours on weekdays, and all day on Saturday and Sunday if you show your AAR MetroCard to the express bus operator when you board. Do not insert your AAR MetroCard in the bus farebox, but deposit the fare in exact change in coins (no bills or pennies, please).
If you board the bus via a middle/rear-door wheelchair lift, you may ask your PCA to deposit the fare, or ask the bus operator to give you a postage-paid envelope so that you can pay the fare by mail. Please note that a bus operator cannot handle a customer’s money or MetroCard.
Q Can I add time or value to my AAR MetroCard if I want to take more than four public transit trips a day?
A. No. Your AAR MetroCard is a special MetroCard designed to provide you with a total of four free trips a day (a day is a 24-hour calendar day, from midnight to 11:59 p.m.) on local buses, subways and SIR, plus transfer privileges as previously noted.
The AAR MetroCard does not have the capability to accept added value or time. Once you have taken the maximum number of daily trips with your AAR MetroCard, you pay for additional rides in the subway or on SIR by purchasing another MetroCard or by paying exact change on the bus. However, you can pay reduced fare for these additional trips.
On buses, show your AAR MetroCard to the bus operator and pay a reduced fare by depositing exact change in coins (no bills or pennies, please) in the farebox. If you enter a bus via the lift, follow the pervious instructions to pay the fare with someone’s assistance, or get a postage-paid envelope from the bus operator and pay by mail.
In the subway, or at a SIR station, show your AAR MetroCard to a station agent in a booth, purchase a MetroCard with one ride at the full-fare price, and request a return-trip ticket. On your return trip, give the return-trip ticket to a bus operator, or subway or SIR station agent.
The agent will activate the entry gate so that you can enter the subway or SIR. Your return-trip ticket is valid for one subway, SIR, or local bus ride for three months after date of issue.
Q. I do not use a wheelchair. However, my disability makes it difficult for me to climb bus steps, even if the bus operator activates the bus kneeler. What should I do?
A. Ask the bus operator to activate the wheelchair lift or lower the front entrance ramp to help you board and exit.
Q. Does my PCA (Personal Care Attendant) travel free when I take subways, SIR, and bus trips with my AAR MetroCard?
A. Yes. If you have PCA Certification, which your AAR MetroCard will indicate, your PCA rides free of charge, via Paratransit or public transportation. On public transit, just swipe or dip your card twice – once for you, and again for your PCA.
Q. I want to travel by bus or subway, but am not familiar with all my travel options. Can I get help?
A. Yes. If you would like to learn to travel by subway and bus, apply for Paratransit’s free travel training program, in cooperation with the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, which conducts the training. Call 212-947-5770, extension 627 and leave a message. Someone will contact you.
Q. Can I get a lost or stolen AAR MetroCard replaced?
A. Yes. NYC Transit will reissue lost cards at its discretion after payment of a $10 replacement fee.
Paratransit will notify customers as the program evolves. You can also check this page for new information.
This information is also available on cassette and in Braille upon request. Please call: 718-393-4133
Here is the info on this AAR Metro Card Program:
All About your new Access-A-Ride (AAR) MetroCardTM
The MTA has introduced a new Access-A-Ride (AAR) MetroCard program exclusively for Paratransit customers. The program will roll out over an 18-month period, until all 170,000 AAR customers receive an AAR MetroCard.
The new AAR MetroCard gives Paratransit customers the opportunity and flexibility to take a total of four free trips a day using the subways, local buses, and Staten Island Railway (SIR).
Q. Does the new program affect my current Paratransit eligibility status?
A. No. The new Access-A-Ride (AAR) MetroCard issued by NYC Transit will serve as both your Paratransit customer identification card to use when you ride Access-A-Ride and as a MetroCard if you opt to use public transit.
Q. Can I use my new AAR MetroCard to pay for Paratransit trips?
A. No. You cannot use your AAR MetroCard to pay for Paratransit vehicle trips or voucher trips. The fare for Paratransit vehicle trips remains the same as the full fare on public transit. Please show your AAR MetroCard to the driver when you board a Paratransit vehicle and pay the regular fare.
Q. How do I use my AAR MetroCard to ride on public transit?
A. First, remember, you can ride free of charge for up to four trips a day. A day is a 24-hour calendar day, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. Like any other MetroCard, you get an automatic free transfer between the subway and a local bus route, Staten Island Railway and a local bus, or between two local bus routes.
On local buses, “dip” your AAR MetroCard into the farebox and it will pop up again. If you use a lift to enter a bus, show your card to the bus operator. In the subway, “swipe” your AAR MetroCard through the turnstile. If you use an assistive device for mobility or travel with a service animal, you can enter/exit ADA-accessible subway stations by dipping your AAR MetroCard in an AutoGate farebox, which will read your card; your card will then pop up. The AutoGate will open to either allow you entry or exit. For more information, click on:. Traveling on MTA Subways or Traveling on MTA Buses
Q. Can I use my AAR MetroCard to ride express buses free of charge?
A. No. However, you pay reduced fare during non-rush hours on weekdays, and all day on Saturday and Sunday if you show your AAR MetroCard to the express bus operator when you board. Do not insert your AAR MetroCard in the bus farebox, but deposit the fare in exact change in coins (no bills or pennies, please).
If you board the bus via a middle/rear-door wheelchair lift, you may ask your PCA to deposit the fare, or ask the bus operator to give you a postage-paid envelope so that you can pay the fare by mail. Please note that a bus operator cannot handle a customer’s money or MetroCard.
Q Can I add time or value to my AAR MetroCard if I want to take more than four public transit trips a day?
A. No. Your AAR MetroCard is a special MetroCard designed to provide you with a total of four free trips a day (a day is a 24-hour calendar day, from midnight to 11:59 p.m.) on local buses, subways and SIR, plus transfer privileges as previously noted.
The AAR MetroCard does not have the capability to accept added value or time. Once you have taken the maximum number of daily trips with your AAR MetroCard, you pay for additional rides in the subway or on SIR by purchasing another MetroCard or by paying exact change on the bus. However, you can pay reduced fare for these additional trips.
On buses, show your AAR MetroCard to the bus operator and pay a reduced fare by depositing exact change in coins (no bills or pennies, please) in the farebox. If you enter a bus via the lift, follow the pervious instructions to pay the fare with someone’s assistance, or get a postage-paid envelope from the bus operator and pay by mail.
In the subway, or at a SIR station, show your AAR MetroCard to a station agent in a booth, purchase a MetroCard with one ride at the full-fare price, and request a return-trip ticket. On your return trip, give the return-trip ticket to a bus operator, or subway or SIR station agent.
The agent will activate the entry gate so that you can enter the subway or SIR. Your return-trip ticket is valid for one subway, SIR, or local bus ride for three months after date of issue.
Q. I do not use a wheelchair. However, my disability makes it difficult for me to climb bus steps, even if the bus operator activates the bus kneeler. What should I do?
A. Ask the bus operator to activate the wheelchair lift or lower the front entrance ramp to help you board and exit.
Q. Does my PCA (Personal Care Attendant) travel free when I take subways, SIR, and bus trips with my AAR MetroCard?
A. Yes. If you have PCA Certification, which your AAR MetroCard will indicate, your PCA rides free of charge, via Paratransit or public transportation. On public transit, just swipe or dip your card twice – once for you, and again for your PCA.
Q. I want to travel by bus or subway, but am not familiar with all my travel options. Can I get help?
A. Yes. If you would like to learn to travel by subway and bus, apply for Paratransit’s free travel training program, in cooperation with the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, which conducts the training. Call 212-947-5770, extension 627 and leave a message. Someone will contact you.
Q. Can I get a lost or stolen AAR MetroCard replaced?
A. Yes. NYC Transit will reissue lost cards at its discretion after payment of a $10 replacement fee.
Paratransit will notify customers as the program evolves. You can also check this page for new information.
This information is also available on cassette and in Braille upon request. Please call: 718-393-4133
-- Gabriela Amari Systems Advocate Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled,inc. 27 Smith Street 2nd Fl., Suite 200 Brooklyn, NY 11201(718)998-3000 (718)998-3000 VOICE (718)998-7406 TTY (718)998-3743 gam...@bcid.org
Mike Godino
May 7, 2013, 5:30:43 PM5/7/13
to BrooklynSystem...@googlegroups.com
Patrick,
They say you never look a gift horse in the mouth. You are correct if you
have an AAR card you will be receiving an AAR metro card that can be used in
AAR; however, if you choose to use fixed public transit buses and or
subways, you will have four free rides per day. That might be enough for
some people, me for example, but others might need or like to ride more than
that. Remember, these cards are coming from the MTA, I am sure without
really knowing, the cards are connected to a database counting the number of
rides used by each of you.
Just for your thoughts,
Mike
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They say you never look a gift horse in the mouth. You are correct if you
have an AAR card you will be receiving an AAR metro card that can be used in
AAR; however, if you choose to use fixed public transit buses and or
subways, you will have four free rides per day. That might be enough for
some people, me for example, but others might need or like to ride more than
that. Remember, these cards are coming from the MTA, I am sure without
really knowing, the cards are connected to a database counting the number of
rides used by each of you.
Just for your thoughts,
Mike
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Brooklyn Systems Change Network" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
email to BrooklynSystemsChang...@googlegroups.com.
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