March 2006
Providing the Resources and Tools for the Independent Traveler
Did You Know
1. RideWise is designed to provide
mobility support ranging from trip
planning assistance to one-on-one travel
training.
2. RideWise is a free service. All training
and related support is provided free of
charge.
3. RideWise has standardized travel
training practices by creating A Guide
to Travel Training. The guide was
developed using nationally recognized
models including Paratransit, Inc. in
California and the Department of
Education in New York.
4. RideWise can be used as a resource for
professionals that are providing travel
training in the community
New Partners
We would like to thank our new partners for
the month of February for helping individuals
become more independent and self-sufficient.
Inclusion, Inc.
Portland Public Schools
Reynolds Youth Transition Services
Sherwood Senior Center
Catholic Charities El Programa Hispano
University of Portland Office for Students
with Disabilities
Portland State University Disability
Resource Center.
Interested in getting involved? To become a
partner, refer a client or sign up for a
presentation about services available, give us a
call.
Q &A with Chris, a Travel
Trainer
Q. What is travel training?
A. It is an individualized course of instruction
to teach those living with disabilities or older
adults to travel safely and independently using
public transportation. Travel training provides
individuals with information, support, and
practical experience in the community on
public transportation.
Q. Who is eligible and what are the
requirements?
A. Any older adult or person with a disability
living in Multnomah, Clackamas, or
Washington County who is interested in
learning how to ride the bus. The support
provided is based solely on an individual’s
ability level and where they would like to go.
Q. How does someone get connected with
RideWise and travel training?
A. Simply call or email us. A staff person will
schedule an initial interview. You will be
assigned to a travel trainer that will build a plan
especially for you.
Have a question for our travel trainers?
Contact us and we may feature your
questions in our next monthly newsletter
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This Month’s Success Story
Twenty-one members of the Sherwood Senior
Center recently took a guided tour of
Portland’s public transportation system. The
motives for boarding the bus were varied but
two common themes emerged; to be able to be
more spontaneous and independent. Mike and
Jeff showed up equipped with information, fare
for the day and smiling faces. The trip began
with a bus ride from the center to Beaverton
Transit Center where they boarded a MAX
train to Lloyd Center. Along the way the group
learned about TriMet’s built-in safety features,
boarding, fare and priority seating. Comments
from the riders included “It was a very
thoughtful and safe process, getting
information each step of the way.” “We learned
a lot.” Most were so comfortable after the
outing that they stated they would now ride 3
to 4 times a month.
Contact Us
To Enroll or ask a question: 503.528.1743
To Volunteer: 503.528.1748
Do you have any suggestions for an
upcoming newsletter?
ridewisenews@rideconnection.org
RideWise is a collaborative effort between TriMet and RideConnection to promote independent travel for older
adults and people living with disabilities by providing access to information, training, and support.
An electronic version of the newsletter is also
available just email us.
Safety Tips of the Month
This month’s safety tips focus on using public
transportation at night
• Bring a friend and try and wear light
colored reflective clothing.
• When waiting for the bus or MAX
wait in a well-lit and populated area
and only arrive 5-10 minutes before
your schedule time so you do not
need to wait longer than necessary.
• Know the area you are traveling to
before you take a trip at night.
• When traveling on the bus in
Portland and outside of Fareless
Square, you can ask the operator to
drop you off between stops. This
service is available between 8pm and
5am.
• If there is an emergency during your
trip, tell the operator right away. On
MAX, sure the intercom at the center
or ends of the train.
Exploring the Portland Area
Do you want to go somewhere new? TriMet
offers possible destinations and directions
using public transportation. Go to
www.trimet.org/explore/index.htm
for
possible destinations. Remember that the Tri
Met website is an excellent source to plan trips
and check if there any updates or delays on
specific routes.