News & Events: Press Releases
February 24, 2009
Trolley’s Easy Access Program Promotes Ridership For Seniors And Individuals With Disabilities
Media Contact: Allison Fogt
850-878-5531 x223
afogt@kidd.com
(Panama City, Fla.) - Beginning March 2, 2009 transportation advocates from the Chautauqua Learn and Serve School are launching the new Easy Access Program in conjunction with Bay Town Trolley. Funded through a Florida Department of Transportation New Freedom Grant, the program was created to increase trolley ridership among seniors and individuals with disabilities. By registering for the program riders will receive individualized one-on-one trolley training, possible minor route deviations, discounted fare passes and a rider toolkit complete with a ride guide, route information sheet, places of interest sheet and a complimentary water bottle.
“Learning to utilize the trolley system is one of the best ways to afford our community’s seniors and individuals with disabilities a chance at personal independence,” said Cynthia McCauley, director of the Chautauqua Learn and Serve School.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transit services represent a lifeline for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The Easy Access team is confident this program will eliminate some of the obstacles they face on a regular basis which limits their access to the community.
If interested in registering for the Easy Access Program call (850) 785-5056 or visit any of the following kick-off registration locations:
- Monday, March 2nd, Panama City Library, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 3rd, Bay Medical Health Plex, 1:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, March 4th, Springfield Community Center, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Thursday, March 5th, Parker Library and Lynn Haven Senior Center, 11 a.m. - 2 pm.
- Friday, March 6th, Panama City Beach Senior Center, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Saturday, March 7th, Panama City Mall, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
To qualify for the Easy Access Program one must be 60 years of age or older, have a medical condition that prevents them from driving and/or have a cognitive disability. The registration process is simple and the only thing participants need to bring is a photo ID.
“Although all seniors and individuals with disabilities will continue to receive the 60 cent discounted fare, participation in this program increases awareness of the trolley’s additional services and added benefits while also allowing them to receive special accommodations when necessary,” said Beth Coulliette, Bay Town Trolley’s executive director.
This program is directly inline with the trolley’s mission to enhance riders’ quality of life. For more information on the Easy Access Program visit www.BayTownTrolley.org/EasyAccess or call (850) 785-5056.
Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School The Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School combines service and learning to help students practice the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and habits of citizenship needed for life as an independent adult. "The school’s mission is to educate students with disabilities for the demands of the world they are about to enter and to educate and enlighten the world about the needs of individuals with disabilities. For more information visit www.Chautauqua-Learn-Serve.com.
Bay Town Trolley For the past 13 years Bay Town Trolley has provided public transportation services to Bay County with the mission of moving riders of Bay County with clean, safe, efficient and dependable transportation while enhancing the quality of life and meeting the growing needs of the community. The system operates Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. For information on all routes, fares, Ride On Commuter Services and other news and updates log on to www.BayTownTrolley.org.
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