GRTC Announces Travel Training Program

RICHMOND, Va. (September 17, 2015) - GRTC is pleased to announce a new Travel Training Program. The pilot program over the next two years will teach CARE customers skills that enable them to follow a regular GRTC bus route, connecting them to work, school, shopping and other community activities. The greatest benefit of this program will be individuals with disabilities and seniors are provided with the skills required to travel safely and confidently on fixed route public transportation.

The Training, funded by a $300,000 grant awarded to GRTC through the Section 5310 program, is available to any current GRTC CARE customer 18 years of age or older. Participants in the program will have one-on-one and group travel training with a certified Travel Training Instructor and access to a travel buddy.

Participants will be trained on many of the following areas:
• Bus familiarity
• Understanding Routes & schedules
• Making judgements about safety and danger
• Managing basic life skills
• Knowing how to handle travel disruptions
• Using appropriate social and communication skills

This program goal is to transition at least 10% of the total paratransit trips per year, approximately 25,387, to the fixed route system, resulting in a cost-savings to both the customer and GRTC. All CARE customers may ride local fixed route bus service for free.

GRTC Transit System’s CARE and CARE Plus services provide curb-to-curb Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit services to citizens of the Richmond Region. GRTC's fixed route system provides bus stop service in the City of Richmond and Henrico County, with express service to parts of Chesterfield County, Petersburg and seasonally to Kings Dominion.

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Contact for GRTC Media Inquiries:
Carrie Rose Pace
Public Relations Manager
crosepace@ridegrtc.com
804-358-3871, Ext. 354
After Hours: 804-516-4148

GRTC Transit System’s mission is to provide clean, safe, and reliable transportation and to improve mobility and access throughout Central Virginia.

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