Some elderly and disabled Bellingham residents struggle to use the Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) bus system due to limited features and accessibility issues.
WTA allows riders to apply for paratransit eligibility based on criteria set by the Americans with Disabilities Act, with approval granted by the transit center. Paratransit is meant to provide transportation for individuals who are unable to ride fixed-route buses.
Eligibility on who can ride paratransit is not solely based on having a disability or medical diagnosis but rather on whether those conditions prevent riders from using fixed-route buses. Some elderly and disabled people still rely on general WTA buses for their commute.
Kris Hamilton, a 77-year-old retired engineer living with Parkinson’s disease, emphasized the need for accessible and comfortable services in ADA-designated areas on buses.
“As a designer of buildings, I also had my eyes on places that are ADA compliant or not. I’m not in charge of it, but it’s just something I’m aware of because of my previous job,” Hamilton said. “I’m more aware now because I’m elderly and I have Parkinson’s disease, which somewhat limits my mobility. That has made me more aware as we go places where I notice stuff and say, ‘they may have thought that was ADA, but it isn’t.’”
Kris Hamilton emphasized the need for clear advocacy for ADA-approved bus features, especially for advocates who are personally affected and can genuinely relate to the voices they represent.
Jean Hamilton is a 75-year-old retired special education teacher who worked with disabled individuals. She now cares for her husband.
“Since we live up the hill, it can be really difficult for us, who don’t drive. We can get down to the bus, but we can’t get back up the hill, so it would be nice if the buses could drop us off at our house,” Jean Hamilton said.
Reaching certain items on the buses can be challenging for ADA passengers, leading to discomfort and inconvenience.
“The button on the bus that tells the drivers to get off is sometimes difficult to hit, even though it’s beside you. It’s still hard to reach, so working on making it easily accessible will be helpful,” said Daman Wandke, a Western professor of disability studies.
Ola Lessard is a former employee at the Mid-Atlantic ADA Disability and Technical Assistance Center.
“WTA could ensure the buses are accessible. The federal regulations for bus accessibility are pretty clear, and they need to be adhering to that in terms of working lifts and bus drivers also being willing to call out stops for people that have visual disabilities,” Lessard said.
Genevieve Carrillo is a community relations and marketing manager at WTA.
“We encourage our riders to fill out a comment card on our buses or at our stations or to contact our customer service department at customerservice@ridewta.com. WTA board meetings are open to the public,” Carrillo said.
Attendance can be in person or remotely. The public can address the board directly at the beginning of every meeting, during the “citizen communications” item on the agenda.
The board chair usually asks people to limit their comments to three minutes. Feedback can also be provided to the board in writing.
WTA gathers feedback from its riders, including plans to update non-ADA-accessible bus stops.
Mabaindu Mbawa (She/ Her) is a city reporter for The Front this quarter. She’s a third-year News/Ed Major and an anticipated Political Science minor. Outside of reporting, Mabaindu enjoys styling, taking pictures, and writing poetry. You can reach her at mbawam.thefront@gmail.com.
