Letter: Without warning, city has left the disabled ‘stranded’

Editor,

The Oak Harbor Senior Center’s latest travel bulletin encourages individuals with disabilities to participate in senior center trips, including those people in wheelchairs.

Yet, the City of Oak Harbor has done away with the bus that had a lift that enabled these folks to go on trips. There was no advance warning; they are just left with no access.

The city should have thought of the cost of maintenance when they bought the bus used many years ago. It has always leaked, been difficult to drive and I never felt safe riding in it. But they should have found a satisfactory replacement before leaving handicapped seniors with no transportation.

For some of the seniors who are unable to step up into a regular bus, the senior trips were the only means they had to travel off island. Maybe the folks in charge should try getting around with a walker or wheelchair so they have more consideration for the folks who have no other option.

What about ADA compliance?

Karen Bess

Oak Harbor