Transit Services of Frederick County, Maryland, moves 379,000 riders across 662 square miles on seven fixed routes, four commuter shuttles, four commuter rail shuttles, and demand-response services. In the last couple of years, service enhancements include new fixed routes, additional shuttles, expanded service hours, more express trips, and new low-floor buses.

Way Station, Inc., a mental health program, helped guide the county's transportation system. It brought together stakeholders from 16 organizations to identify challenges and outline next steps. One result was a mobility management training program to build awareness. The program combined classroom instruction with field trip exercises. It also had a 10-minute video highlighting transit experiences of passengers with disabilities. The video encourages people to use fixed routes because they offer more frequent and reliable service. Another part of the program was a train-the-trainer course held at a community college.

Way Station has come up with ways to keep the training momentum going. Part of its strategy is working with The Freedom Center, an independent living center. It also had identified 85 other organizations that work with people who have disabilities and plans to coordinate mobility training with those, too.

#2071

Wilson, B. (2004, Winter). On the road to travel independence in Frederick. Community Transportation 22(2), 28-33.