Letter: Government should demand reliability for Bi-State funding
Letter: Government should demand reliability for Bi-State funding St. Louis Post-Dispatch
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Transportation Issues for Disabled Individuals
Introduction
- Background Information
I am blind and have foot and heart problems. I used to use Call-A-Ride for transportation but I no longer do because generally it has become unreliable. Their bus system no longer goes to Mercy South which is my hospital. I see my cardiologist there.
Transportation Challenges
- Lack of Accessibility
Via Transportation, a local rideshare company, will go to Mercy South, but a person may have to wait in extreme heat and cold for them to arrive at a transfer point. For severely disabled people, this is not a good option.
Bi-State Development Agency’s Actions
- Impact on Individuals
When Bi-State Development Agency cuts routes, they use the letter of the law in the Americans with Disabilities Act, but they do not consider the human cost of their actions. At a minimum, they should have “grandfathered in” those of us who had established medical relationships in the areas outside the new route boundaries. It can be very difficult to start over after you’ve worked so hard to find doctors that you trust.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Government Oversight and Funding
- Importance of Accessible Transportation
I am glad to see Bi-State get federal, state, and local funding, because accessible transportation is so vital for our region. Still, elected officials should not simply write a blank check to Bi-State. They should offer oversight and demand reliability, accessibility, and affordability for the sake of their constituents.
Conclusion
Transportation issues for disabled individuals have a significant impact on their access to healthcare and overall well-being. It is crucial for government agencies and elected officials to prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure that transportation systems are reliable, accessible, and affordable for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities.
Author: Charles M. Smith
St. Louis
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
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SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses issues related to accessible transportation for individuals with disabilities, which directly connects to SDG 3, SDG 10, and SDG 11. Accessible transportation is crucial for ensuring good health and well-being for individuals with disabilities, reducing inequalities by providing equal access to transportation services, and creating sustainable cities and communities that are inclusive for all.
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Specific targets under those SDGs based on the article’s content:
- Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
- Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport.
The article highlights the need for universal health coverage and access to quality healthcare services for individuals with disabilities (Target 3.8). It also emphasizes the importance of social and economic inclusion for individuals with disabilities (Target 10.2) and the need for accessible and sustainable transport systems (Target 11.2).
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Indicators mentioned or implied in the article to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Availability and reliability of accessible transportation services
- Extent of healthcare accessibility for individuals with disabilities
- Level of social and economic inclusion for individuals with disabilities
The article implies the need to measure the availability and reliability of accessible transportation services, as well as the extent of healthcare accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, it suggests assessing the level of social and economic inclusion for individuals with disabilities as an indicator of progress towards the targets.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. | – Extent of healthcare accessibility for individuals with disabilities |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status. | – Level of social and economic inclusion for individuals with disabilities |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport. | – Availability and reliability of accessible transportation services |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: stltoday.com
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