The CNMI Association of Families with Disabilities’ decision came in the wake of controversies that resulted in the suspension of DD Council executive director Tony Chong.
The Office of Public Auditor is now looking into the allegations of irregularities involving the program.
In an interview, the governor’s special assistant for disability policy and programs Thomas J. Camacho said the council has “temporarily” taken over the administration of Call-a-Ride.
He added that the Fitial administration intends to bid out the Call-a-Ride program.
“Our part is to ensure that the program is not hindered by the situation and the administration has already advised the board and the council that once this situation is settled, we will push through with the plan [to transfer the program to the winning bidder],” Camacho said.
The DD Council, he added, can only run the program temporarily.
“The council is an independent body and is not supposed to be a service provider…and that’s why we want to bid out the program to a nonprofit or private group,” Camacho said.
In 2006, long-term sustainability plans for Call-a Ride were identified but they have not materialized.
These included increasing the current $2.50 fee and allowing non-disabled clients to avail of the service.
The program has two buses for Saipan and one each for Rota and Tinian.
On Saipan, some 80 individuals benefit from Call-a-Ride on a daily basis.
