Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) MetroAccess Saves $1 Million Annually with Travel Training

For MetroAccess users who have the ability to utilize fixed route bus or rail all or some of the time but may require assistance before doing so, MTM Transit’s travel training program provides comprehensive instruction in real-life transit scenarios to familiarize riders with local transportation options. MTM Transit offers customized travel training to help riders gain new skills, overcome fears, and build confidence. Training processes utilize the standards and methodologies of national organizations such as the National Transit Institute (NTI), the Association of Travel Instruction (ATI), and Easter Seals Project ACTION (ESPA).

In the District of Columbia, our travel trainers teach individualized, route-specific travel training. Trainees learn how to travel via bus and/or train to locations such as school, work, volunteer opportunities, church, senior centers, recreation centers, libraries, museums, shopping destinations, and other community resources. Depending on the individual’s specific needs, initial skills, and travel goals, training lasts as long as needed for the Travel trainer assessment individual to travel safely and independently. For some, this can be achieved in three or four sessions; for others, it could take two to three weeks’ worth of training. MTM Transit’s travel trainers work with trainees utilizing a variety of techniques, including modeling behavior, developing individualized learning tools, fading out as the trainee demonstrates competence, and shadowing the trainee to ensure safe travel skills.