Re “Spotty CARE van service leaves riders in limbo,” April 30-May 2 edition:

Recently, I was with a senior citizen who has limited mobility and depends heavily on GRTC’s CARE van service to get to various appointments and activities. She was to be picked up between 2:45 and 3:15 p.m. Because she had another appointment, she called the office at 3:30 p.m. to find out approximately how much longer she had to wait for the van’s arrival. She had to stay on the line 31 minutes before her call was answered. She was told her van was 30 minutes behind. The van finally arrived at 4:15 p.m.

Another rider had an appointment and was to be picked up at 11:30 a.m. The van never showed up.

A few Sunday’s ago, one of our disciples was to have been picked up from church at 12:30 p.m. The CARE van arrived at 2:30 p.m.

Those are just a few incidents I am quoting at this time.

I also have observed that van drivers don’t always pull to the curb when picking up or discharging riders. Some of the riders use canes and have a difficult time boarding the van. This is dangerous.

Problems with the CARE van service are not new. It has been poor for years. Why are they allowed to continue as the transportation agent? By now, GRTC should have sought a different carrier if the agent is unable to serve adequately.

Where are our politicians and government agencies? It is time for action, not promises from elected officials who vow better service for the disabled and poor. Are they waiting for something drastic to happen?

Most people using the CARE van are handicapped, senior citizens or have other specific needs requiring this service. Help is needed and wanted now.

FRANCES FOSTER-KITTRELL

Richmond