Lack of ADA-accessible buses adds to frustration for would-be Balloon Fiesta visitors
Hawker Vanguard
October 08, 2018 07:02 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – For many people who head to the Balloon Fiesta, getting there can more than half the hassle. For people with special needs, those problems can be even worse when they have to stand in line for hours, and in the heat.
For Stefani Quintana, that was her Saturday.
She brought her 85-year-old aunt and uncle to Albuquerque for the fiesta, having bought special Park and Ride passes for people who have special needs.
When they decided it was time to head home, Quintana said they couldn’t find the place to pick up an ADA-accessible bus and none of the workers could point them in the right direction.
Once they found the right area, they spent nearly two hours standing in line for their chance to board one of only four buses designated for handicap individuals.
"I enjoy watching it (the Balloon Fiesta) from my couch in my pajamas with my coffee...that's excellent and, come to think of it, that's what I probably should've done with my aunt and uncle yesterday,” Quintana said.
Balloon Fiesta officials say they haven’t heard of any complaints about the ADA buses and will be reaching out to the family.
Credits
Hawker Vanguard
Updated: October 08, 2018 07:02 PM
Created: October 07, 2018 09:48 PM
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