At the February 28, 2022 meeting of the Public Works, Transportation Energy Committee, Suffolk County Legislator and Committee Chair Nick Caracappa hosted a viewing and inspection of the SCAT 2100 Series County Bus, which was parked in the Legislative Auditorium parking lot. Addressing the many concerns expressed by riders, participants (consisting of actual riders and some of Legislator Caracappa’s colleagues on the Legislature) who wore blindfolds, or used walkers or services animals were asked to board the bus, simulating actual rider procedure. Also present were members of SILO, Suffolk Independent Living Organization, who advocate for people with special needs.
“I think it’s important that the residents who use our bus system know that we are listening, and we will address the added challenges that have arisen, especially since the pandemic,” stated Legislator Caracappa. “I was grateful to have the opportunity to ‘walk in the shoes’ of our riders to get a better perspective on riding the SCAT buses. Thank you to SILO’s CEO, Joseph Delgado, his members and all of the participants for providing their input and joining my colleagues and me for this interactive demonstration.”
