[mountainstate] Public Transportation Letter

[JRayl]

Tricounty Chapter of

Mountain State Council of the Blind

PO Box 2756

Martinsburg, WV 25402

eaglewings at wvdsl.net

www.mscbwv.org

October 30, 2009







TO:            Transportation Committee

RE:            Public Transportation



Hello!

I am writing on behalf of Tricounty Chapter of Mountain State Council of the Blind. TCMSCB is a chapter of the Mountain state 
Council of the Blind which is a nonprofit organization of the blind. We are the leading organization of the blind in West Virginia 
and an affiliate of the American Council of the Blind.

Recently, I became aware of caucuses on Public Transportation that were being held throughout West Virginia (see www.ridein55.com 
for further information.)

Because I am a person who uses public transportation, who is blind and works with people who have a variety of disabilities from 
blindness to mental illness to physical and hearing disabilities, all to whom must utilize public transportation, I immediately 
became interested in this effort. How could I help? I learned that one of these caucuses would be in Martinsburg, West Virginia 
and so I attended.

Much to my sadness, there ere no political representatives from our area at this caucus and it was, given the size and immense 
growth of the tri-county area, not well attended. However, the energy there was strong and the energy that continues is strong. I 
understand this has been the trend at the other caucuses throughout the rest of the state.



Public Transportation

October 30, 2009



I am asking that as representatives of my state and on this transportation committee that you please take a special interest in 
public transportation. Public transportation is essential for the livelihood of all West Virginians, and especially those who 
cannot drive regardless of whether that is because of a disability, an age-related condition, loss of license for any reason or 
simply being unable to afford the cost of a vehicle and upkeep. Public transportation also plays a significant role in the 
environment as it could mean fewer vehicles on the road, thereby less pollution, noise and demand on resources.

We need to focus on community transportation in terms of getting people to jobs, schools other than public education, recreational 
/ social activities religious activities and of course medical.

We need to make town-to-town, and city-to-city connection a focus.

It is irrational and unrealistic that there is no public transportation from most parts of the state to another.

It is irrational and unrealistic that because of no public transportation, citizens of West Virginia cannot get to our own 
beautiful capitol; yet, often times, because of public transportation, we can get to those of other states. For example, I cannot 
get from Martinsburg to Charleston via public transportation. I can, however, get to New York City, New Jersey, Washington DC and 
others.

Again, I ask you to make public transportation a high priority. You can do this by attending the state summit meeting on November 
10 in Jackson Mills, WV (contact Daria Jones, Phone: 304-293-4692 ext. 1162 for further information.)

We need your support.

Thank you.

Sincerely,







Jessie L. Rayl, MA, LPC, ALPS



Cc:      Gov. Joe Manchin





Jessie L. Rayl, MA, ALPS, LPC
Pathways Counseling Services
Phone:  (304) 262-8020
Email: eaglewings at wvdsl.net
604 Wilson Street
Martinsburg, WV 25401

"To be sensitive is to feel the thoughts and hearts of others as you would want yours to be felt."--unknown