Remember what people say about government subsidized programs….

What a disappointing morning. Two weeks ago, I started the process to get my husband registered for the Valley Metro Ride Share Program. We both were excited when we received the letter that approved him for the service.

The payment for the program is $3.00 per trip for up to 8 miles. Only $2.00 per mile for additional miles. I suggested that we use this for his Wednesday morning men’s group at church. Our church is less than the 8 miles and if he needed anything I would be available.

The first time in 8 years that my husband would be able to go independently and I would be able to have an hour and a half by myself in our home as a short respite.

The trip was scheduled for 7:10 am. At 7 am, I suggested we go outside and wait as our mornings are beautiful in Arizona. Drinking my coffee, I noticed it was 7:12 and no driver yet. I called Valley Metro only to be informed that the company they contract to in the East Valley, did not have a driver available.

I was upset to say the least.

Luckily, I was home, and the temperature was only in the 70’s so my husband was not waiting in the hot sun. My question to them was, how can you just not show up? They had my email and telephone number. When I called, they kept repeating that the East Valley that they contracted to did not have any drivers. Yes, that was a problem, but the real problem was not carrying enough to make a call, text, or email.

Because I was rather upset this morning, I waited to check with them again this afternoon to see if there was a better explanation. Nope, same song, second verse. It was somewhat worse. When I was transferred to the complaint department, she put me on hold….yup, I was disconnected. Did I give up, no! I finally called back, and they repeated the same statements, but we ended the call in a somewhat pleasant manner.

Moving forward with disabilities in retirement, will I use this service that I am sure receives local, state, and federal grant monies? Probably not.

They need to have more accountability thru audits, etc. and remember that "they are judged by their results not by their excuses!" There is a real safety factor in question here!