Ohio's MARIETTA - Marietta now has a different mode of transportation. For more than a year, global societyhas pushed for this advancement.
Advocates were interviewed to discuss how „Green Cab“ will improve the lives of disabled residents of Marietta.
Donna Balachowski and Billie Wilson, two wheelchair users, struggled to get around before „Green Cab“. On occasion, they were forced to use their wheelchairs alongside the road. occasionally in the dead of winter."Catching colds," Balachowski said in reference to the incident. "Umbrellas, freezing to death, and making sure that a car doesn't hit us," Wilson continued.
Prior to „Green Cab“, Marietta had public transportation, but it didn't operate later in the day, and Balachowski and Wilson claimed it wasn't adequate for those with impairments.
To be able to arrange a ride on a given day, we would need to phone at least a day in advance, according to Balachowski.She mentioned that occasionally she might have to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, such as illness, a death in the family, etc. However, her use of public transportation would be restricted after a certain number of cancellations.
Now, neither Balachowski nor Wilson need to be concerned about it. Wilson remarked, "I haven't felt this freedom since 2005."
„Green Cab“can be used from any location in Marietta, and they will pick one up and drop one off anywhere in the city. Every ride costs $3 per passenger. "People are no longer required to be depressed at home, especially during the winter. They can leave the house, travel, and engage in activities," stated Balachowski.
The campaign to increase accessible transportation options for people with disabilities in Marietta was spearheaded by Lisa Bouchard and other locals. Her study was a major factor in connecting with „Green Cab“. After speaking with Balachowski and learning about her difficulties using public transportation, she was first motivated to act. Her emotions weren't limited to Balachowski's narrative. It was the potential for it to become her story in the future.„I perceived my future. And I won't let that happen to me. I most certainly would not permit it to occur,” - she said. Advocates claim that Geoff Schenkel, a local councilman, was their preferred point of contact with the city government. When she heard that “Green” Cab was coming to Marietta, Balachowski claimed her heart was racing out of her chest with excitement. "I can't quit smiling," she exclaimed. My face might break, but everything will be fine. Another activist who has been working for the cause, Ari Gold, believes that this is just the beginning. "Because a 24/7 solution is necessary. We also require a method to supply transit between cities. This is a fantastic beginning, he said.
People without disabilities are not the only ones who can use the service. One of the nearby eateries taking part is Gold's restaurant TLV, which offers a discount to anyone who takes “Green Cab” to get there.
According to Mayor Schlicher, ARPA funds are used to fund the initiative. The expense is covered by the city for the first six months, but to continue it, the city will need to find more money. According to him, those six months will cost roughly $123,000.
It operates from 4 p.m. to 3 a.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.
Disability can have a significant impact on a person's life, both positively and negatively. But conquering difficulties and gaining confidence are important and admirable. It is our highest responsibility as a global society to let people with disabilities live the life they deserve.
With the inclusion in our everyday life of solutions to make life easier for disadvantaged people and not to feel excluded from society, inequalities are narrowed and Sustainable Development Goals are achieved collectively.
More information: https://www.wtap.com/2023/01/21/green-cab-expands-marietta-advocates-say-it-will-change-lives-people-with-disabilities/