Columbia fixes accessibility issue

A Columbia mom is relieved, knowing her daughter, who is in a wheelchair, is out of harm’s way. This comes after she claims the Columbia para-transit bus has, at times, dropped her daughter off in the street.

“Very dangerous, very dangerous, because of the traffic coming in and out,” said Maxine Lambert-Hollend.

The para-transit bus can’t always pull up to the curb because of cars lining the street.

“The driver could not parallel park. They were dropping the lift in the street,” said Lambert-Holland.

City officials said Park Avenue isn’t the only street with accessibility issues for para-transit riders.

“There’s areas where there are no sidewalks or no good curb cut outs or anything like that. So, there’s definitely some accessibility issues that the city is continually working on,” said Drew Brooks with city of Columbia.

ABC 17 News contacted city officials to ask if they could make the street safer and easier for Lambert-Hollend’s daughter. On Friday, city crews showed up to extend the current restricted curb space for para-transit buses and post a new “No Parking” sign.

“It’s beyond great. I’m just so happy. We won’t have this problem anymore,” said Lambert-Holland.

The Americans with Disabilities city coordinator said his office makes every attempt to meet the needs of para-transit riders, but at times those riders might have to travel a short distance to get on the bus.

Residents with ADA accessibility issues are encouraged to contact para-transit or to fill out an ADA complaint form on the city’s website.