Metro News Release
For immediate release: May 29, 2003
MetroBuddy Program Launched
Program assists seniors and persons with disabilities in small groups or one-on-one to learn how to access Metrobus and Metrorail
MetroBuddy, a proactive travel orientation program, was recently launched by the Americans with Disabilities Act Program (ADAP) office at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The program provides a variety of services for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. This week, MetroBuddy will provide group presentations, hands-on field orientation, and Metro access literature, as well as answer questions at two organizations. Glenn Millis, Director of ADAP, will lead the presentations and be assisted by members of his office and members of Metro’s Customer Assistance Team. On Thursday, May 29, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., the MetroBuddy Program will visit the Armed Forces Retirement Home at 3700 N. Capitol Street, N.W., in the District of Columbia to conduct a group presentation on traveling by Metrobus and Metrorail. Attendees in four groups of 10 to 12 persons each will receive hands-on field orientation in a low-floor Metrobus and at the Brookland Metrorail station.On Friday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., MetroBuddy will visit the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) at 102 Irving Street, N.W., in the District to provide literature and answer questions on using Metrobus and Metrorail. The program will have a low-floor bus on site for persons with disabilities to explore as a MetroBuddy representative provides an orientation session on these kinds of buses. A compilation of MetroBuddy services include the following:
- Field Orientation: Personalized travel orientation for individuals or small groups who would like hands-on assistance learning the ins and outs of Metrorail and Metrobus.
- Speakers’ Bureau: Group presentations on WMATA accessible transportation services to targeted professional and community conferences, membership organizations, rehab centers, schools, senior centers, community groups, etc. to present useful information and answer questions regarding the efficient and safe use of Metrorail and Metrobus.
- Trip Planning: Personalized assistance in developing trip itineraries for customers with disabilities.
- Access Literature: A packet including basic information on system access and use and how to get additional information if needed.
- Ombudsperson: Individual assistance for any person with a disability who has questions about using the system or with any part of the MetroBuddy program.
- The program can be customized to facilitate special requests from groups, such as on-site photo ID issuance and bulk Reduced Fare purchases.
News release issued on May 29, 2003.