METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION
Jacksonville Urbanized Area



November 1, 1993



The Honorable Senator Bob Graham
U. S. Senator
524 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D. C. 20510


Dear Senator Graham:

As a friend and supporter of transportation for the transportation
disadvantaged I am sure that you share my concern, and the concern of the
Duval County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board for the safety
and convenience of the elderly and disabled at area shopping malls. In April
of this year, it was brought to the Board's attention that the management of
The Avenues Mall and Regency Square Mall do not permit buses operated by the
Jacksonville  Transportation Authority (JTA) to discharge passengers at
entrances to the facilities. Bus stops are relegated to service roads and
major thoroughfares. The location of these bus stops create obvious
difficulties for the disabled, who with the addition of wheelchair lifts as
standard features on buses, are being encouraged to utilize this service. In
April the Board corresponded with he management of both malls, and was pleased
to receive a positive response from he management of The Avenues Mall. As of
October 1, 1993, JTA buses are allowed direct access to a mall entrance.
Unfortunately, no response was forthcoming from the management of Regency
Square Mall. A second letter was sent in July, and as yet there has been no
response.

Denying the disabled users of fixed route bus service in this County full
access  to the Regency Square Mall is a violation of Section 302 of the
Americans With  Disabilities Act of 1990 which mandates "full and equal
enjoyment of goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or
accommodations of any place of public accommodations..." including shopping,
centers and shopping malls.

On behalf of the Duval County Transportation Disadvantaged Coordinating Board 
and the elderly and disabled users of JTA fixed-route bus service, I am 
requesting your assistance in persuading





          Duval County and Portions of Clay and St. Johns Counties


01-02947
The Honorable Senator Bob Graham
November 1, 1993
Page 2



the management of the Regency Square Mall to allow JTA buses direct access to
at least one mall entrance on a regular basis. This is no small matter to the 
transportation disadvantaged of Duval County and I trust you will give it the 
attention it deserves.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,




E. Denise Lee
Chairman, Duval County Transportation
Disadvantaged Coordinating Board


EDL\clb


cc:    Mr. Martin Petrie, Manager
       Regency Square Mall








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