Travel Training
- What is Travel Training?
- Travel Skills
- How to Sign Up
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Meet the ECNV Travel Trainers
- Download the ECNV's Travel Training Brochure [ Word ] [ PDF ]
- Washington Post: Metro aims to use travel training to help disabled passengers and save money
- WMATA: Thousands more learning to ride trains and buses independently
What is Travel Training?
The ECNV Travel Training
program is for people with
disabilities and/or older adults who want to learn to travel safely and independently using public transportation in the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Through the multi-day program that is comprehensive and individualized, you will learn a variety of travel skills that will enable you to ride your local transportation independently. The Travel Trainers will work with you to learn transit routes to travel anywhere you want to go.
Travel Training can benefit many people in the community including:
- Individuals with disabilities
- Older adults
- Family members and caregivers
- Schools and colleges
- Employers
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Travel Skills
During Travel Training, you will learn travel skills
including, but not limited to:
- Identifying transportation options
- Reading maps and schedules
- Planning the trip
- Buying and using fare cards
- Identifying the appropriate bus and/or train to ride
- Boarding, riding, and deboarding trains and buses
- Crossing the street
- Maintaining appropriate behavior
- Learning safety skills
- Handling unexpected situations or problems
- Planning for emergencies
The Travel Trainer will work with you until you are confident and proficient in each travel skill.
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How to Sign Up
Call the ECNV Travel Trainers, Selvin or Rick at 703-525-3268 to start the process. They will set up an
appointment to come out to your house or to a place of your choosing to discuss your travel skills and goals. The actual travel training will last
until you are able to travel safely and independently.
Eligible participants who complete travel training will receive a free Reduced Fare SmarTrip® card with $50 in transit fare!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does the Travel Training process work?
A. Contact the ECNV Travel Trainers, Selvin or Rick to start the process. They will set up an appointment to come out to your house or to a place of your choosing to discuss your travel skills and goals. The actual travel training will last until you are able to travel safely and independently.
Q. How much will Travel Training cost me?
A. It is free!! Plus, eligible participants who complete travel training will receive a free reduced fare SmarTrip® card with $50 in transit fare.
Q. How long will the Travel Training take?
A. The training will take as long as it needs to take in order for you to travel safely and independently. It could take a couple of days or a couple of weeks. The Travel Trainers will be flexible to your schedule.
Q. To where can I learn to travel?
A. Anywhere! You can learn to how to go to your work, school, church, or friend’s house, your doctor’s office or the mall.
Q. I have some friends who would like to do this, too. Are there any options for travel training in a group?
A. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has two great programs: a systems orientation program and a group travel training program. Contact the Travel Trainers and they can put you in touch with the WMATA travel trainers.
Q. What if I want to learn another route?
A. Contact the Travel Trainers. They are here for you!
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Meet the ECNV Travel Trainers
Selvin Garcia
Rick Luckett
Rick Luckett has worked for 20 years helping persons with
disabilities find employment in the DC area; the last 13 with MVLE in Springfield. Rick has his Bachelor
of Arts in Church Ministries from Warner University in Lake Wales, FL where he met his wife, Carol. Rick was diagnosed with Diabetes at 11 and had a stroke in 2004. Carol & Rick live in Centreville and have three adult children, two of whom have developmental disabilities.
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