Transportation Training

“Ensuring Freedom of Mobility for People with Disabilities”

A project of
Panhandle Independent Living Center and
Amarillo City Transit

Funded by
New Freedom Initiative, Texas Department of Transportation
The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation

Transportation training is offered by Panhandle Independent Living Center as a community service. Our goal is to equip people with the necessary skills to navigate Amarillo City Transit’s fixed route bus system.

Joe Rogers PILC's Transit Coordinator

Bus Training

Amarillo City Transit administrators anticipate that Spec-Trans (Special Transit) service will eventually be discontinued due to federal funding cutbacks. Spec-Trans provides curb-to-curb service for people with disabilities who are certified as passengers, but this may no longer be available. Now is the time for people to learn how to use fixed-route buses.

All fixed-route buses are equipped with lifts. Through PILC’s travel training, passengers will learn how to reach bus stops. In many cases, fixed-route bus service will be available to and from your home.

Getting Started....

Joe Rogers is PILC’s Transportation Coordinator who can visit with you about travel training. Call 374-1400 to arrange an appointment.

Travel training begins with a “get acquainted” session. After you are enrolled as a PILC consumer, Joe will discuss your travel needs. Your first day of training includes a classroom presentation about using fixed-route buses and learning the various bus routes.

Meeting Your Specific Needs...

Once the classroom training is completed, you are ready for the next step – riding the bus! You will be accompanied from your home to the bus stop and assisted in boarding the bus. The travel trainer will ride with you to your destination and then accompany you home.

Two additional days of field training are provided to ensure the passenger is capable of traveling to a chosen destination. This process develops confidence in using fixed-route buses. Passengers will learn that all ACT buses are safe and dependable. At the conclusion of the travel training course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Maintaining Your Independence...

As a PILC consumer, you may request additional assistance in meeting your future needs. The Center offers an array of other activities including help with employment, housing and computer training. Consumers may also attend independent living skills classes such as money management, cooking, health and hygiene, arts and crafts and physical fitness.