What is Travel Training?
The WRTA’s Bus Travel Training program is for people who want to learn to travel independently using our regular bus system. At no cost to you, travel training teaches individuals fourteen years-of-age and older, and people with disabilities, how to safely and independently ride the public transportation system.

What are the benefits?
Riding the bus will bring you increased independence, it supports an active lifestyle. Our goal as travel trainers is to enhance your lifestyle and make it as easy as possible to travel using the WRTA.

Who is eligible?
Anyone fourteen years-of-age or older qualifies for travel training. The program is not limited to senior citizens or people with disabilities.

What is the Travel Training process?
You will work with a trainer who will help you find solutions that best fit your situation, your abilities and meet your needs. Training involves a series of steps from intial one-on-one instruction to the gradual fading of trainer assistance, leading to independent travel.

Individuals who need assistance can receive one or both of the following types of travel training:

Destination Travel Training: Teaches an individual to travel from a specific destination and back, usually on a daily basis.
General Travel Training: Provides the individual with greater riding instruction.

What does Travel Training include?
Each training program is individually tailored to your needs and will help you to:

Plan your trip
Ride specific routes
Read and understand route maps and schedules
Get to and from your bus stop
Recognize bus numbers, bus stops, and landmarks
Pay fares and purchase tickets and passes
Get on and off the bus safely
Use the lift to board with a mobility device
Position your mobility device in the bus
Locate and transfer to other buses
Phone and emegency skills
Street crossing
Stranger awareness
Safety skills
Travel independently and confidently while riding the bus!

How do I get started?
Begin by calling the WRTA Travel Training Office at 508-752-9283 x 2222.

An expert travel trainer will set up an in-house mobility assessment with you and assist in determining your travel goals. Training sessions provide firsthand experience riding buses in the community. Each trainee’s needs and abilities are different, so training techniques and time devoted will vary with each unique individual.

You can also get more information on this service by contacting the WRTA Travel Training Coordinators via email:

Juana Martinez jmartinez@therta.com
Soo Seong Kim citraveltrainer@therta.com