The costly service that Metro provides for disabled riders has the chance to be reinvented in the coming years, and the transit agency is seeking rider input into exactly how. The $548 million, multi-year contract with the current provider of the MetroAccess service is set to expire in 2013, opening the way for a new company to provide the federally mandated service to riders who are unable to take Metrobus or rail. The agency could stick with one contractor or hire multiple companies to handle different aspects of the service.

The change could mean improvements – or more confusion in a system that has been plagued with problems. Metro is asking for input in town hall meetings this week and by mail as it begins the process. It also has hired consultants to research the options.