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

Challenge

Containing MetroAccess paratransit costs and promoting rider independence while increasing fixed route public transit utilization.

Solution

Intensive, customized one-on-one travel training to familiarize riders with public transportation options.

Results

Extensive cost savings of approximately $1 million annually, as well as increased confidence and access for trainees.

A Washington DC subway. With the goal of improving rider independence, MTM Transit partnered with WMATA to introduce travel training to its MetroAccess passengers.

Challenge

As one of the nation’s largest transit systems, WMATA sought a travel training contractor to coordinate intensive one-on-one training with capable users of its MetroAccess paratransit service. Through MetroAccess, WMATA provides complementary Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transportation in the District of Columbia for individuals with disabilities who are unable to safely access fixed route bus and rail transportation. With the goal of containing system costs while decreasing paratransit utilization, increasing public transit use, and fostering independence and confidence for riders, WMATA partnered with MTM Transit for travel training services in January 2012.

Solution

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.

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A travel trainer shows a woman how to use public transit and increase rider independence using the WMATA system.

Results

Over the first year of the contract, MTM Transit’s local travel trainers developed and administered training plans for more than 100 individuals with disabilities ranging in age from 16 to 65. Additionally, our travel trainers provided outreach to over 900 local stakeholders, including potential trainees, social workers, case managers, therapists, and teachers.

Travel training has achieved excellent cost savings for WMATA. For each round trip a trainee takes on the bus or train instead of paratransit, WMATA saves approximately $96*. With these results, if each ADA-eligible trainee took an average of two round trips on public transit each week, WMATA would receive nearly $1 million in annual savings. At the same time, trainees benefit from increased independence and better access to their community, and often gain a new perspective on their abilities.

Feedback from Travel Training Graduates

Trainees that rated the travel training program as good or excellent
99%
Trainees that rated their travel trainers good or excellent
99%
Trainees that were confident using public transit after training
90%

Quentin’s travel trainer listened to my concerns and questions, provided open communication, and checked in often. Quentin’s confidence has gone sky high, and he has changed from being shy to wanting to get out and do more. This program has made him so independent.

– Mother of a Travel Training Graduate

An orange blob. MTM Transit offers plentiful transit technology solutions and partnerships, including paratransit RSD platforms and fixed route technology.
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