Disability advocates urge council to protect 'Connection Plus' as JTA pilots changes

Multiple speakers during public comment implored the City Council to preserve the JTA Connection Plus service and mitigate a reported fare increase that advocates said would disproportionately harm riders with disabilities.

Dr. Johnson, the council's liaison to JTA, told the council at the start of the meeting that he had attended community meetings and that JTA is not eliminating Connection Plus but is changing its scope and will run a six-month pilot with evaluation. "Connection Plus, it does work...they will not be getting rid of Connection Plus," he said, adding that JTA will come to the transportation committee next week.

During public comment, advocates described the service as essential. Sherry Mathnas (JTAC) said Connection Plus provides much quicker point-to-point rides than the fixed-route model and criticized a proposed jump in fares "from $6 to $10." Jose Morales, director of development for the Center for Independent Living, said many disability groups depend on Connection Plus for employment, medical access and full community participation and urged council oversight and collaboration with stakeholders. Sharon Dykes and Angela Walker, other disability advocates, described the practical impacts of delays and higher costs and asked for solutions that do not reduce independence or access to jobs and health care.

Speakers asked the council to press JTA for clarity and alternatives, and several said stakeholders have already offered cost-saving proposals. The transcript shows multiple speakers offering both anecdotal evidence (long waits, service reliability) and concrete cost concerns. The council liaison said JTA has a public web resource (jtafla.com) and would brief the transportation committee.

Next steps noted in the meeting: Dr. Johnson said JTA will present to the transportation committee next week for further discussion and evaluation of a pilot. The transcript does not record council passage of a binding directive or vote on funding changes during this session.