Overview

A key component of our mission is to provide training and technical assistance to all that are providing service through the Ride Connection network; staff, drivers, escorts, and service providers. It is the role of the drivers, escorts, Ride Connection staff and service providers to provide safe reliable service to our customers. Quality trainings that are specific and appropriate to the needs of all are imperative.

In addition we offer customer training and support for seniors and people with disabilities that are interested in accessing the bus, light rail and other alternative transportation options.

Staff

Ride Connection encourages staff to participate in supplemental and required training opportunities that provide the tools and skills to perform at the highest level.

Driver

Ride Connection is committed to ensuring that all customers receive a safe ride each and every trip. To achieve that commitment we ask our drivers to meet rigorous standards including ongoing training. All drivers, whether paid or volunteer, must be fully oriented to the vehicle(s) they drive, road tested to confirm competent driving skills, and attend both a defensive driving class and a passenger assistance class every three years. Any incidents, even minor ones, are monitored and retraining is provided to individual drivers as necessary.

For Current training calendar, click here

Safe Driver Incentive Program

Safe driving is an essential component to the Ride Connection mission of "linking accessible, responsive transportation with community need". Above all else, our riders expect to get to and from their destinations safely. The Safe Driver Incentive Program honors and rewards our drivers who make these safe rides happen every day.

The goals of the Safe Driver Incentive Program are twofold:

1. To promote safety awareness
2. To recognize drivers for their safe behavior

The criteria for being considered for the Safe Driver Incentive Program are:

1. The driver has had no accidents, convictions or violations while driving for Ride Connection in the past three years.
2. The driver is up-to-date on all trainings as of the end of the fiscal year (June 30).
3. The driver has been an active driver for at least one year, with no inactivations on his or her record during the fiscal year.

Last fiscal year, 220 out of nearly 700 drivers fit these criteria, and we expect just as many (if not more!) each year of the program. Each year these incentive award winning drivers are entered into a drawing and three drivers' names from each county we serve are drawn to receive a grand prize. Everyone receives a certificate of appreciation and gets an invitation to the Safe Driver Recognition event we hold each year.

Service Provider

The training department works with individual service providers to develop site specific training and technical assistance addressing the needs of their particular drivers. In addition, service providers are required to attend a monthly Quality Improvement Committee meeting where they are given information about a wide range of safety topics, including updates on current traffic laws, seasonal driving tips, and ideas to ensure passenger comfort and safety.

Customer

By providing information and assistance on transportation choices, personal trip planning and assistance in learning how to ride the regular buses and MAX trains, the Ride Connection customer trainings helps build the confidence and skills to use all transit options available.