I live in the NE side, but am able to take him once a week. I know by the news report, he lives ssomewhere in the southside.

Where does Mr Rivas attend college? I have a bit of free time - I'd be willing to take him to his classes once or twice a week. Anyone else interested in helping with a ride until VIA comes to their senses?

123sky, please understand that you know nothing about disabilites and the ability to get durable medical aids. Being able to get a mobility aid is not easy, they are expensive, our Government will not allow us to have a mobility aid unless we are unable to get around our homes and insurance companies won't provide them unless we meet the same guidelines as the Government guidelines. Since most have housing that will not accomidates our aids or we are not totally disabled to the point we can't walk to the bathroom we are stuck in limbo between "normal" world and "completly disabled" world. Just because his legs don't work like a "normal" person does not mean that he is unable to walk, he just can't walk as fast. Should small children or all old persons who can't walk as fast be put in wheel chairs so they can go as fast as they wish. Those of us with arthritis are normal to us, it's people like you that make us feel abnormal. I know you meant well by your suggestion.

If Mr. Rivas's is unable to move with his legs or can't walk as fast as he wish, why doesn't he get a electric wheelchair? That will save a lot of time on both via and Mr. Rivas's.

What I find appalling is the common ignorance about persons who are disabled with arthritis. I believe it is appropriate for the transit company to post all ailments that they approve as being handicaps. Better yet why don't they read the Federal Guide under SSA.gov that would help them under stand what constitutes a disability so they can learn that RA is not curable, patients do chemo treatments just like cancer patients, and public transit is the best way for them to get around since many have debilitating pain in their hands, legs, and feet so driving is difficult and discouraged due to the amount of pain medications they have to take just to be able to function daily. People, we don't have telethons showing the devastation to Arthritis patients. Did you know there are over 100 types of arthritis? Well now you do. Change your attitude about Arthritis, because someday you or a loved one will have have it.

If there IS a solution for this injustice found, it'll be because of the publicity & not humanitarianism on VIA's behalf!!!

I'm certain if Mr. Rivas's doctor wrote the appropriate documentation, he will have no problem. Just look at all those getting welfare that need it as much as I need a hole in my head! There are so many getting a hand out, a free ride! No wonder our country is falling apart and we are in the mess we are. Truth hurts! Just tell it likwe it is!

This is not too hard to believe. While Via does make every attempt to make fair assessments of patron needs their tools only look at the patrons ability to move and their flexibility or capacities for getting on and off the buses. They do not take into consideration the traffic situation or other conditions patrons may have to deal with getting to those bus stops. They do the best they can under the guidance they have and with the tools they have to use. I drove for Via for a time and unfortunately had no choice but to stop due to an injury. They are concerned for the safety of the patron but are also concerned with the cost effectiveness of special transportation needs. Give them a chance to re-evaluate their criteria and review if an exception is warranted here. I believe in the will find a solution.