RTC to teach seniors, disabled how to use bus system

Public transportation can be intimidating for some people, especially seniors and those with disabilities. To make the process easier, the construction of a new training center is planned in the northwest area.

The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada is expected to open the new Mobility Training Center in fall 2015.

“We’re just trying to create options for people with disabilities and seniors,” said James Shampoe, transit mobility supervisor for the RTC. “Our goal is to show people how easy it is getting around town.”

The center plans to train participants on how to use the RTC’s fixed-route transit system safely and properly, Shampoe said.

During the training period, participants will be taught how to get to and from the bus, important riding techniques, emergency procedures and how to get to and from specific destinations.

Participants will also learn how to deal with certain situations, such as what residents can do if they miss their bus, get on the wrong bus or get lost.

“We plan to create a realistic training environment with two buses, (mock) streets, crosswalks and traffic sounds inside the building,” Shampoe said. “If they can practice in a controlled environment, then they’re more likely to let go of their fear.”

The center also makes it a priority to teach participants, especially children, about stranger danger by planting a staff member inside a bus to see how much information he can get out of participants.

“We’ve worked with kids with Down syndrome, and they can be very trusting by nature,” Shampoe said. “They could be taken advantage of, so we teach them who is safe to talk to and who isn’t.”

A mobility specialist at the center is scheduled to work with participants one-on-one to plan their trips using the RTC transit guide. In addition, those with disabilities will be taught how to maneuver their mobility aid and how to get on and off the bus using devices such as ramps, lifts, courtesy seats and security straps.

The center will also be the headquarters for the RTC’s Americans with Disabilities Act Paratransit certification program.

The certification qualifies recipients for the door-to-door Paratransit service, a shared ride, and public transportation alternatives for people with disabilities who are functionally unable to independently use RTC fixed-route services.

“As a blind person, Paratransit has really helped me continue to live independently,” commuter Jean Peyton said. “I’ve been using this service since 1994. It’s really my lifeline to the rest of the world.”

Programs at the Mobility Training Center are set to be free for valley residents.

The RTC currently offers a mobility training program for seniors and those with disabilities. The training is individualized and can take from two weeks to two months.

“I’m new to Las Vegas, and I just wanted to get out and learn the bus routes,” training participant Joe Taylor said. “The training only lasted a couple of days, and I learned the map and how to ride the bus. I feel a lot more confident now.”

Those interested can call Shampoe at 702-676-1767 to schedule an interview for a personal assessment. Participants will receive one-on-one training from a mobility specialist at their home or place of business.

The approximately 15,000-square-foot Mobility Training Center is expected to cost roughly $6.7 million and is slated to be located near the 215 Beltway and Decatur Boulevard.

Shampoe said once completed, the center will be one of four in the country.

“Independence is the biggest benefit,” Shampoe said. “A lot of people just want to get out and go to their jobs, medical appointments or grocery shopping. This saves them a lot of time and money.”

For more information, visit rtcsnv.com or call 702-228-7433.

Contact North View reporter Sandy Lopez at slopez@viewnews.com or 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.