1. RideWise Travel Training
Educator Institute

2. Independent Mobility: what’s that?
in·de·pen·dent (nd-pndnt)
Adjective:
Free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others; self-reliant: an independent mind.
Not determined or influenced by someone or something else; not contingent: a decision independent of the outcome of the study.
Mobility
mo·bil·i·ty/mōˈbilətē/
Noun:
The ability to move or be moved freely and easily.
The ability to move between different levels in society or employment.
Independent Mobility: what’s that?

4. Short History of Travel Training
Travel instruction has been around since 1960
Early pioneer – Margaret Groce, Supervisor of the New York Board of Education Travel Training Program
Goal: train people to travel safely and independently to a regularly visited destination and back
Short History of Travel Training

5. Travel Training Definition
One-to-one short-term instruction provided to an individual who has previously traveled independently and needs additional training or support to use a different mode of travel, a different route, mode of transit, or travel to a new destination; or
One-to-one comprehensive, specially designed instruction in the skills and behaviors necessary for independent travel on public transportation provided to an individual who does not have independent travel concepts or skills to go from point of origin of trip to destination and back.
Definition adopted by the Association of Travel Instruction in 2013
Travel Training Definition

7. Ride Connection Serving the tri-county area for about 30 years
Provide transportation for riders over 60 and people with disabilities
Offers a range of transportation options:
Community-based transportation
Shopping Shuttles
GroveLink
Among others
Ride Connection

8. Who are we? RideWise began serving the tri-county area in 2004
Our model is based on providing people with the information and experience they need to feel confident taking public transportation independently
Through a range of program components, we help meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities
Who are we?

10. A personalized trip planning system that is easy to access, and addresses the individual travel needs of each customer.
Consumer education and outreach program to familiarize customers with their transportation options, including bus, light rail and all other community-based transportation options.
Fixed-route vehicle familiarization services designed for individuals who need assistance and practical experience boarding TriMet buses and MAX cars. This training takes place when the vehicles are not in service.
How do we do it?

11. Group training is available for students receiving support through community transition programs, senior residential facilities, community centers and others
Riders’ Clubs - The goal is to give consumers more opportunities to become comfortable with the public bus by creating fun adventures that include riding fixed route to and from the destination.
One-on-one travel training, a short-term, intensive and individualized course of instruction designed to teach older adults and people with disabilities to travel safely and independently using public transportation.

12. Travel Training Process
Referral
Initial Interview
Route and Scout
Field Training
Shadow and Fade
Travel Training Process

14. Travel Training & Students
Safety presentations
Group training leads to comfort with the processes of taking transit (paying fare, appropriate behavior, making transfers, etc.)
Some students get all the experience and are able to travel independently, while others need some additional assistance
All in all, the students we serve who participated in classroom training start building a base of independent travel skills
Travel Training & Students

15. Why is it important? Independence – first and foremost Inclusion
Spontaneity
Enhanced quality of life
Freedom & Choice
Cost savings to the rider
Benefits the community as a whole
Why is it important?

17. Additional Resources Association of Travel Instruction
National association of travel trainers/instructors
Annual Conference
Quarterly Webinars
Additional Resources

18. Christina Cooper RideWise Outreach Specialist 503. 528
Christina Cooper RideWise Outreach Specialist
Contact Information