Route Ready Expands Its Reach: Travel Training Partnership with Ardmore
Building the skills and confidence to travel safely, independently, and with purpose.
In October, the Route Ready Program expanded its reach by partnering with Ardmore to provide travel training focused on public transportation and pedestrian safety.
As part of this collaboration, Ardmore staff participated in hands-on learning experiences designed to build confidence and understanding around community travel. During the training, participants explored the importance of using public transportation, including local bus and train systems, while developing practical skills for navigating the community safely and independently.
What the Training Covered
From reading traffic signals to planning a trip from start to finish, every session focused on real-world skills.
A key focus of the training was pedestrian safety, including understanding traffic signals, identifying safe crossing locations, and practicing effective street-crossing techniques. Participants also learned how public transportation can increase community access, promote independence, and create opportunities for greater inclusion in everyday life.
The partnership provided an opportunity to share the goals of the Route Ready Program with community partners while reinforcing the importance of travel training as a tool for empowerment, safety, and community engagement.
What Participants Had to Say
The best measure of a training is what the people in it take away. Here's what Ardmore staff shared.
"I learned a lot from the travel training considering this was my first time traveling on bus and train. Your teachings were very detailed and intensive, breaking down every step, clearly defining what ADA interventions brought, what are normal safety measures and all other precautions. Techniques in supporting our people in crossing streets, who to contact in emergency when they are alone. The importance of planning trips early, how to pay for your trips, identifying the bus or train to take depending on your location and planned destination. This training was really helpful and timely. This has equipped me to adequately support our people when the needs arise. Thank you."
- Stanley Mustapha
"I really enjoyed my travel training with Mohammed! He was very informative, patient, and knowledgeable about the buses, trains, ADA guidelines, and safety. He took his time explaining how everything works and made sure we understood the information. He even gave us pop quizzes when he thought we weren't paying attention! Thank you, Mohammed, for making the training both educational and enjoyable. Your patience and dedication truly made a difference!"
- Andrea "Andi" Williams
"Every new experience brings an opportunity to learn. Travel training helped me step out of my comfort zone (driving my car), build confidence, and understand the importance of planning and safety when using public transportation."
- Yemisi Olowe
Through partnerships like this, the Route Ready Program continues to strengthen community connections and support individuals and organizations in building the skills needed to travel safely, confidently, and independently.
Want to Bring Travel Training to Your Organization?
The Route Ready Program is actively seeking new community partners.
If your agency is interested in free travel training for your staff, focused on public transportation, pedestrian safety, and supporting the people you serve, we would love to connect.
Reach out to Deandrea Scott at dscott@opportunities-inc.com to start the conversation.
Together, we can help more people get where they want to go, and build the skills and confidence to get there independently.
Route Ready is made possible by a grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG).