From: Al Yuen
To: Council, City
Subject: Fully support Palo Alto LINK
Date: Monday, November 4, 2024 11:43:02 AM
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Dear Council Members,
As a bike rider, parent of 4 boys, and a member of the senior citizen age group, I wholeheartedly support LINK as a much needed and useful service to the community.
Best Regards,
Al Yuen
408-202-6168
From: Alex Van Riesen
To: Council, City
Subject: Pleas Keep Palo Alto Link Alive
Date: Monday, November 4, 2024 10:04:50 AM
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Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing to express my families strong desire to keep Palo Alto Link as a vital public service in Palo Alto. I urge to you all to do whatever possible to keep Palo Alto Link going and evolving and serving everyone in Palo Alto, but especially those with special needs and those who are elderly.
First, my family has lived in Palo Alto since 1998. In 2002 we adopted a special needs baby boy. After being excellently cared for in the Palo Alto School District, and graduating from both High School and the Post-Secondary Program, my son began to volunteer at the VA hospital in Palo Alto. While being severely cognitively impaired he is still able, with the help of his aid, to serve coffee and treats for free to the patients and visitors to the VA. He does this 5 days a week.
His mother and I both work, so it would be almost impossible for us to drive him, and his caregiver, to and from work every weekday. Yet, because of Palo Alto Link, he has gone every weekday for the past 2 months using the PAL service.
I cannot express to you how much it means to his mother and me that our son, who will never be able to live unsupervised, can go to "work" every day and have a meaningful way to contribute to our community. We would not be able to provide this for him, at least not affordably, without Palo Alto Link. An Uber or Link can be $40-50 each way. Given the disabled designation, he is able to do it for $2 a day.
That's a difference of $1,960 a month. That is an incredibly meaningful service to my son and our family.
I know he is not the only one who benefits from this public service. I see so many people, especially who are elderly, riding with my son and his caregiver. PAL gives them an affordable option to be able to get out and around town and not remain isolated in their own home or apartment. Ending this service would have a very negative impact on those who most need it. Please do not let this happen, especially to those whose quality of life is most deeply impacted by it's existence.
I am aware that the service has issues. There are technological challenges. There are issues of too many riders and not enough vehicles or drivers or both. I am sure there are a myriad of challenges that PAL faces that I am not aware of at present.
Still, it is worth continuing this service, even if it means raising the rates for PAL rides.
Even if my families costs to transport my son, via PAL, were to double or triple or even quadruple, it would still be less expensive than the second best option. If the service needs more money to pay workers or provide cars, than raising the rates is far better than canceling the service.
I am also aware that raising the rates may be really difficult for others who may get priced out of using the service. I believe those who need the service would be more than happy to comply with a more strict age or disability protocol. I am aware of people gaming the system by being able to just push "disabled" on the app and get a massive discount. Allowing that has enabled people to cheat to get the service for free, while others who really are disabled have benefited greatly. PLEASE DO
NOT PUNISH THE CITIZENS OF PALO ALTO WHO APPROPRIATELY USE
PAL BY KILLING IT BECAUSE OF THE GREED AND SELFISHNESS OF OTHERS.
Thank you for reading this and for wrestling with this issue. I know I and my family are NOT alone in expressing our desire to keep PAL functioning. I also want to add that there was not nearly enough notice about the vote on this issue to the general public. I only found out about this meeting and the issue last Friday.
Please do not let this vote happen without more public awareness and an opportunity to express their opinion. If nothing else, please postpone the vote so those with actual experience and need, like ourselves, can let you know how valuable PAL is and the huge civic benefit is to the citizenry of Palo Alto.
Thank You,
Alex Van Riesen (on behalf of Joshua Van Riesen)
From: Ledell Wu
To: Council, City
Subject: Support for Palo Alto Link
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024 4:30:06 PM
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Hi,
My family and I have used the Palo Alto Link services many times in the past. We would continue to continue the service of Palo Alto Links as it provides great convenience to us! All the best,
Ledell Wu
1461 Dana Ave, Palo Alto
Tel: 5105427175
From: Daksha Dave
To: Council, City
Subject: Palo Alto Link Service
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024 1:25:01 PM
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Dear Mr. Stone,
I am writing to express my strong support for the renewal of the Palo Alto Link service, scheduled for review on Monday, November 4th. This service has been an invaluable resource for my family and me, particularly for medical appointments at PAMF, and I know that it serves a wide range of residents in our community Many seniors I know depend on Palo Alto Link for essential transportation needs, and I have observed students in our neighborhood benefiting from it as well. The accessibility and convenience it provides are crucial to maintaining mobility and independence for these groups, along with others who might otherwise struggle to reach important destinations.
I respectfully urge the council to approve the renewal of this valuable service to continue supporting our community members’ transportation needs.
We truly appreciate your support for this valuable service! Thank you for your consideration.
PS: It was my honor to support your candidacy for the Palo Alto City Council! Sincerely,
Daksha Dave
From: Parul Sharma
To: Council, City
Subject: Link service in Palo Alto
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024 12:39:06 PM
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Please keep the Link car service alive in Palo Alto for the sake of seniors like my parents Thanks
Parul
From: Mary Dowley
To: Council, City
Subject: Palo Alto LINK Service
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024 11:20:32 AM
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Please do not discontinue this service. It is so valuable to those who can no longer drive.
Mary Dowley.
From: sue garadis
To: Council, City
Subject: In support of Link
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024 11:18:19 AM
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I endorse keeping Link as a necessary, low-cost, safe option for local transportation. It will get even more use if it was advertised in local newspapers and neighborhood emails. Please keep Link! Sent from my iPhone
From: Sue Purdy Pelosi
To: Council, City
Subject: Please renew the Link program
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024 10:15:12 AM
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It’s a really important option for kids and seniors in our community.
Thanks
Sue
Sue Purdy Pelosi
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.
Dalai Lama
From: Anna Jaklitsch
To: Council, City
Subject: AA1 for Nov 4th Council
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 9:59:45 PM
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Hi,
Please do approve the continuation of the Palo Alto link program.
With so many seniors in town, a local transit system is necessary particularly as we increase the necessary housing.
Anna Jaklitsch
1850 Hamilton Ave.
Palo Alto,CA 94303
From: Shamit Patel
To: Council, City
Subject: Vote to disband Palo Alto Link Service
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 4:52:51 PM
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I am a resident of Palo Alto at 3433 Janice Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303, and I would like to register strong vote against continuing Palo Alto Link Service.
My grounds are that
a) we shouldn't be in business of building things when there are companies like Uber, Tesla who can subsidize it,
b) this will help reduce cost & improve better efficiency (time to arrival, quality of drivers, cost) if we leverage 3rd party companies like Uber/Lyft.
I am expert in marketplaces and can guarantee that demand for rides will always be high, and supply will be expensive (There is a reason why Uber had to spend 1 billion dollars a year to acquire drivers).
I am available in case the council wants an expert who can explain the nuances here.
Shamit
From: William Blythe
To: Council, City
Subject: PAL
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 3:29:51 PM
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Keep it, but add more card!!
Often, we get down town and can’t get back: “ no cars available”, William & Bonnie Blythe
650-323-1456
From: Jaya Chand
To: Council, City
Subject: Renewal of approval for Palo Alto Link
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 2:24:52 PM
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Dear Sir/ Madam,
The Palo Alto Link service is a small but vital lifeline that stands parallel to Uber. My family uses this service a lot; my children don’t have a driver’s license in the US because they went to college in the UK. However, Palo Alto Link is the mainstay of their ability to move around securely and easily now that they are home with us in Palo Alto. The service is good, without doubt.
It is important, I feel, to give a young but effective service, the opportunity to flourish; there is no reason to have just one fish in the ocean, and turn it into a shark eventually.
I strongly urge that the City Council considers the matter of renewing the approval for Palo Alto Link in the coming year- we need this service for our community because everyone doesn’t necessarily have a license or the ability to drive, and only one big player in the field, is not the best option going forward.
Thank you.
Jaya Chand
From: Neil Dave
To: Council, City
Subject: Palo Alto Ride Link Customer : 84 yeard old Relies on Palo Alto Link : need to keep it going ! Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 1:20:50 PM
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Dear City Council,
I have been a resident at 249 Walter Hays Drive, Palo Alto 94303 since October 1979 : I'm 84 now and want to continue using Palo Alto Link for necessary Medical Rides in Palo Alto ! :
What can I do to support your efforts to keep the service going ? I need it ! Anil (aka "Neil") Dave
ANIL DAVE PASSPORT-COLOR 2010.pdf
Thanks and Best Regards,
Neil Davé
http://www.linkedin.com/in/neildave
From: caroleandsteve eittreim
To: Council, City
Subject: Palo Alto Link
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 12:58:44 PM
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Dear City Council,
I understand there is a danger that the PA Link service might be discontinued. I have only used it once over the years, but I do believe Palo Alto needs alternatives to travel by personal car, unfortunately a strong American institution. Cars clog our streets, road sides, driveways and parking lots. They sit mostly idle, a waste of resources and a damage to our community-connectivity. A single occupied car does nothing for personal contact with fellow citizens. The way to achieve independence from this lifestyle is to provide alternatives. Palo Alto no longer has viable shuttle vans which they used to have for getting around town; PA Link is all we have. It needs to be kept, or another alternative to allow people to live without a personal vehicle needs to be developed for the city.
Steve Eittreim
1975 Ivy Lane
From: Salil Sawhney
To: Council, City
Subject: Palo Alto Link service
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 12:46:25 PM
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Hi,
We are a home-owner and resident of Palo Alto and just wanted to express support for the service that has been incredibly helpful to our kids and family seniors since it launched. We sincerely hope that this service is continued as it is vital to ensure mobility of especially our kids and seniors. Thank you very much!
Regards,
Salil Sawhney.
From: Emily Lee
To: Council, City
Subject: Please continue Palo Alto Link
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 12:45:18 PM
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Hello!
Palo Alto Link is a great service that serves many Palo Alto residents. My kids use it regularly and I don't know what we would do without it. We are willing to pay more for the rides so if it is a financial issue, have you consider increasing the price.
Thanks,
Emily Lee
Palo Alto resident
From: Daksha Dave
To: Council, City
Subject: Palo Alto Link service
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 11:50:02 AM
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Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong support for the renewal of the Palo Alto Link service, scheduled for review on Monday, November 4th. This service has been an invaluable resource for my family and me, particularly for medical appointments at PAMF, and I know that it serves a wide range of residents in our community.
Many seniors I know depend on Palo Alto Link for essential transportation needs, and I have observed students in our neighborhood benefiting from it as well. The accessibility and convenience it provides are crucial to maintaining mobility and independence for these groups, along with others who might otherwise struggle to reach important destinations.
I respectfully urge the council to approve the renewal of this valuable service to continue supporting our community members’ transportation needs.
We truly appreciate your support for this valuable service! Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Daksha Dave
From: Shobana Sankaran
To: Council, City
Cc: Harikesh Nair
Subject: Support for Palo Alto Link
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 11:43:12 AM
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Dear Palo Alto City Council,
We are homeowners in Palo Alto. I am writing to request renewal of the contract for Palo Alto Link, to enable additional mobility options within the city of Palo Alto, that includes shared rides. This will help reduce traffic congestion and parking constraints within the city of Palo Alto. This is a unique service that many Palo Alto residents avail of, and it would be great to see this continue for the betterment of transportation options. Please approve Palo Alto Link contract renewal on the agenda for the city council this Monday, November 4.
Thank you,
Shobana Sankaran & Harikesh Nair
From: Afsheen Ali
To: Council, City
Subject: We support Palo Alto link
Date: Saturday, November 2, 2024 6:10:47 AM
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It provides a valuable, safe and affordable service my family relies on a few times per week.
Thank you!
From: Irina Loseva
To: Council, City
Subject: Keep the Link Service
Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 8:44:52 PM
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Hi,
As a Palo Alto resident I ask you to consider keeping the Palo Alto Link service. Our community needs it!
--
Sincerely,
Palo Alto ave resident
Irina Loseva
From: MARGARET GALLOWAY
To: Council, City
Subject: Please keep Link rides
Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 8:08:28 PM
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Dear City Council,
Please vote to keep the Link ride program in Palo Alto. Several of my older friends depend on it.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Margaret Galloway
401 Fulton Street
Palo Alto CA 94301
650-326-8174
From: Ekram Abdelwahab
To: Council, City
Subject: Vote to Palo Alto Link service
Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 6:03:18 PM
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I vote YES to renew the Palo Alto Link service
Thank you
From: Aruna
To: Council, City
Subject: Appeal to not cancel Palo Alto Link
Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 4:45:28 PM
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Hello City Council,
I am a resident of the Bay Area. I recently heard from Via that you will be voting shortly to decide whether or not to cancel the Palo Alto Link service. I am reaching out to share my immense gratitude for this service and my sincere hope to see it continue to operate.
As a multiply disabled individual who recently entered the workforce post graduation, this service is not just a mere convenience, it is a vital lifeline that enables my independence and participation in the workforce. I rely on the service primarily to commute to work, but also for other things like doctor visits. Without it, my options would be severely limited, especially as someone who does not have the option to drive a vehicle or ride a bike.
I urge the council to consider the profound impact this service has on the lives of individuals like myself. Axing the service will diminish the quality of life for many residents who rely on service to get around.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Aruna P
From: Alsu Zamaleeva
To: Council, City
Subject: Palo Alto Link renewal
Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 3:49:36 PM
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Dear City Council,
I am reaching out to vote YES to renew the Palo Alto link service.
I don’t own a car and this service is essential for me to commute to work, move around the city and to be able to pick up my daughter from school.
Thank you,
Alsu
From: Ekram Helmy
To: Council, City
Subject: Vote to Renew the PAL service
Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 2:05:55 PM
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YES to Renew the Palo Alto Link service
From: Ekram Helmy
To: Council, City
Subject: Vote to Renew the PAL service
Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 2:04:58 PM
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YES to Renew the Palo Alto Link service
From: Mikhel Davé
To: Council, City
Subject: Please renew Palo Alto Link!
Date: Friday, November 1, 2024 1:39:05 PM
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Hello,
I'm writing to express my support in the renewal of the Palo Alto Link ride-share program.
It is an integral service that my parents (who are in their '70s and '80s) use, love, and rely on to get to various errands and medical appointments, and it provides a nice, safe and affordable option for them.
So I'd really appreciate if you and the council would all renew on this upcoming agenda meeting. Thank you so much!
All the best,
Mikhel
From: Tata Tata
To: Council, City
Subject: Vote YES to renew the service
Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024 9:52:40 PM
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The transportation service connects residents to essential locations such as hospitals, schools, community centers, and shopping areas.
Transit is accessible and inclusive, allowing people of all ages and incomes to get around, promoting social equity.
The transportation provided by Palo Alto Link helps reduce traffic by encouraging residents to leave their cars at home. This reduction in private vehicle use also reduces carbon emissions, aligning with Palo Alto’s sustainability goals and supporting a cleaner, greener city. Demonstrating that transportation makes it easier for residents to access commercial centers, boosting commerce and generating traffic for local businesses.
Continuing the service can attract more visitors, boosting tourism and helping to keep the city’s economy active and growing.
I love Palo Alto Link.
From: Jon Foster
To: Council, City
Subject: Keep Palo Alto Link
Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024 4:53:20 PM
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To the Palo Alto City Council,
I am a long time resident of Palo Alto and a strong supporter of continuing Palo Alto Link. I particularly appreciate the fact it makes it much easier for seniors and people with disabilities to get from point to point in our wonderful city. I realize that perhaps they could take Uber or Lyft, but I like the fact that Palo Alto Link offers shared rides which is more efficient. And Palo Link provides wheelchair accessible vehicles. Uber and Lyft do not provide shared rides or wheelchair accessible vehicles.
In addition, Palo Alto Link enables greater use of public transit. I have been in situations where I used Palo Alto Link to get to or from the Caltrain station and had that not been an option, I might have ended up driving to San Francisco rather than taking Caltrain.
The service is also important to the community for rides to critical services such as jobs and healthcare, and it is also important to people who rely on it for other activities. My understanding is that many people who use Palo Alto Link do not have a car. That's wonderful — it's great to make Palo Alto a city where a car is not an absolute necessity.
My wife and I would be disappointed if we lost this service, as it contributes to the welfare of our fellow residents and provides more efficient transportation. So let's keep Palo Alto Link and work to (i) expand the number of people it serves in Palo Alto, and, thus, (ii) reduce single passenger car rides.
Best,
Jon Foster
From: David Hsieh
To: Council, City
Subject: Re: Link ride service
Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024 8:24:19 AM
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To the managers of the city of Palo Alto,
I am a senior citizen resident who occasionally uses Link for medical appointments. I find it to be a great service.
I just found out that the service is being reduced due to budget constraints and may be axed completely soon after Nov 4!
I know a few neighbors who regularly depend on Link for their local transportation needs and would like to express our wishes to keep this great service going forward.
Please let us know what we can do to help.
Thank you,
David HSIEH
谢簾青
From: Wendy
To: Council, City
Subject: Vote to renew Palo Alto Link
Date: Thursday, October 31, 2024 8:20:19 AM
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Hi
I am a resident of Palo Alto. I have greatly benefitted from riding PA link and vote to continue the service.
Thank you
Wendy Liu
From: Melissa
To: Council, City
Subject: Please Keep the Palo Alto Link Running
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 4:18:56 PM
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Dear Council Members,
I’m reaching out with serious concern about the potential shutdown of the Palo Alto Link. As someone in their early thirties who wasn't able to learn to drive for medical reasons, the Link has been essential for me. I rely on it heavily to get to numerous doctor’s appointments and essential errands, and without it, I’d be mostly homebound.
The Link is far more practical and accessible than biking, walking, or even taking the bus, which doesn’t provide the reliability or proximity I need for medical appointments. It’s not just a convenience; it’s truly a lifeline.
Losing the Link would not only disrupt my life but also diminish access to vital, sustainable transit for many in our community. Please consider the impact on residents like me who depend on it for independence and access to care.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to reach out— I’d be more than happy to share why the Link is so important. I am a Palo Alto resident and was born and raised in Palo Alto.
Thank you,
Melissa Chan
650 519 6804
Palo Alto Resident
From: Raghav Lal
To: Council, City
Subject: Link rideshare service
Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024 3:27:51 PM
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Dear Council Members,
I am a resident of Palo Alto and a frequent rider of the Palo Alto Link service.
I am writing to you to express my support for this service as it supports a reduction of personal vehicle trips, reduces elder and low mobility riders dependencies on other drivers/vehicles, and assists with reducing carbon emissions.
Kindly vote in favor of continuing this service for all Palo Alto residents.
Thanks,
Raghav Lal
Palo Alto, CA