when complaints don't work

Sometimes complaining just doesn't seem to work.  You waste a lot of energy and get nothing in return.  I feel that way a lot.  Take for example the transportation issue.  I have been a big complainer about our transportation system. I complain because transit does not really support my needs.  During the week I cannot go out past 6:30 pm unless I ride the chair.  There is no transit available.  The rates for transit for here are the highest in the state yet the poorest people ride these buses.  Those are my biggest complaints.  I used to complain the the ADA officer for transit and the new mobility managers.  Their response was to recommend me to sit on the advisory board.  I agreed to do that.  I have since found out some information.

Mass transit in most places is partly funded by city and county and state and maybe some federal government.  Our transit it funded by county state and some federal.  Members of our city government do not want transit here because it means that bus stops are places for that "bad element"  Our local transit is basically funded by two grants.  The grants were awarded in order to transport people to and from work.  These grants are intended to work with other funds in place.

This is one of the things I hate the most about this area.  We are getting to be more and more like a bigger city.  We have the same kind of problems.  Yes that does include crime and that "bad element".  Yet the majority of this city's poorest people (me included) are just trying to get to work and manage their lives the best way they can.  Just like everyone else in the world.  It is ridiculous to lump everyone in as the "bad element". And I believe that not wanting buses here may be racially motivated.

I used to believe that someone was stealing  the transit funds and using them to line their own pockets.  I don't believe that anymore.  If money is being mis handled it is more because a small place like our area does not know how to manage a transit system for so many people with diverse needs.  People who complain to transit complain to the wrong people.  This city needs this system to help legit workers get to legit jobs.  The city needs to help fund this.  This area has some great things going on in it and the community needs to be supported to get there and participate.  If you have a complaint speak to our local officials.  They and their families don't ride the bus.  We do!  In a time where we need all the support we can get, our transit system is about to be cut another $200,000.  This will affect our services.  Speak to the right people!