New bus pass policy being forwarded for vote at Capitol Center Clinic Advisory Board meeting on February 12, 2013.
Capitol Center Clinic Council Advisory Board Recommendations for agenda item next meeting February 12, 2014 at 1540 w. Van Buren, Phoenix, Arizona 85007.
Buss Pass rules – motion to adopt.
Summary:
Bus passes are very expensive to clinic operations, especially during times of tight budget constraints. Therefore we need to be extra vigilant and responsible in terms of giving them out.
Likewise, we recognize that bus passes are a “privilege” afforded clients here at the Capitol Center – not a “right.”
With that being said we all must take steps to cut down on instances of perceived abuses of that privilege, because it’s costing us money we do not have right now or better used to fund clinic programs.
For example if you have a vehicle or automobile – you don’t necessarily need a bus pass – except in cases of emergency when your car breaks down or something. Please contact your case manager if that is your situation. We will do everything we can to accommodate your transportation needs. You also can call for taxi rides to go to scheduled appointments to see your doctor or case manager, or go to your clinic.
We have also been receiving unconfirmed reports which indicate that some clients may be selling and trading those bus passes for cigarettes and “cash” – used to purchase illicit drugs and/or alcohol.
If clients are caught doing that – their privileges of receiving bus passes will be severely curtailed to maybe one day bus pass – per month, and only after verification of what you need it for.
As many of you may be familiar with already CASS (Central Arizona Shelter Services) case management is very restrictive of their bus passes to clients.
With some adopting “preventative measures” to insure bus passes were not being misused, given away, traded or sold improperly through black-market practices.
From now on we (at the Capitol Center) will be writing the names of clients on the back of their bus passes with “permanent ink” – after use, clients will be expected to return the used or expired bus passes in order to receive the next monthly bus pass. And so on and so forth.
This way we can insure clients are acting responsibly and using those passes appropriately.
Remember we expect you to be “responsible” for safeguarding and using those bus passes in a appropriate manner, consistent with the goals of recovery and wellness.
Of course, we will take into consideration those rare incidents where a client may accidentally lose their bus pass – while ensuring that doesn’t become a habit. Remember we will be tracking this activity to insure compliance with the new rules.
Also if you are receiving SSI or SSDI you qualify “already” for a reduced fair pass through the city of Phoenix, which cost our clinic 1/2 as much as a regular full fair bus pass would.
Therefore we expect you, if you meet that criteria, considering the fact that you are getting income to apply for and pay the $5 dollar fee for a reduced fair pass card – which you will be responsible to show staff at issuance of the reduced fair bus pass.
Applications for reduced fair bus passes are available at any Phoenix bus station terminal location. If you need help filing the forms out – see your case manger or blue dot personnel, who stand ready to assist you during normal clinic hours of operation.
Remember if you need a pass you must make contact with your case manager or a blue dot personnel first and justify your usage of the pass. You can justify it by making your doctor appointments, attending groups and coming and going from your clinic to participate in recovery programs offered through your clinic.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Sincerely
Robert Tilford
Chairman of the Capitol Center Clinic Council Advisory Board