Service Alerts

Please note that CET staff is offering virtual travel training sessions during COVID-19.

Purpose

The purpose of CET’s Travel Training Program is to educate seniors, students, and those who experience developmental and intellectual disabilities how to use the Bend fixed-route transit system to improve their independence and mobility. Please note that CET staff are only conducting virtual travel training sessions due to COVID-19.

Travel Training Services

• Group presentations
• Trip-planning assistance
• Transit trip facilitation
• Workshops and events
• On-the-bus training
• Promoting fixed-route transit service to Bend Dial-A-Ride customers

Travel Training Curriculum

• Understand trip planning software
• Locate bus stops
• Calculate and pay fares
• Recognize when the desired stop has been reached
• Obtain service updates
• Tell if a vehicle is equipped for mobility devices
• Read route maps and schedules
• Obtain and use transit passes
• Indicate to the bus driver to stop
• Use mobility devices safely on vehicles

Travel Training Tools and Resources

• Need help using CET’s online trip planner? Use this helpful trip planning guide to get you where you need to go via the bus.
• First time rider? Check out our Bend How to Ride Guide and Rural How to Ride Guide.

Recent Highlights

The following activities were offered as part of CET’s travel training program.

Student Engagement

• • In cooperation with Commute Options, CET has led transit safety/travel training events with elementary school students at Bear Creek Elementary School (May 2019) and Elk Meadow Elementary School (October 2019, November 2018), in addition to teaching students how to put their bikes on the bus.
  • CET staff provided transportation information to COCC faculty and staff at a resource fair (September 2019). Additionally, the CET transit service brochure “COCC: How to Ride Guide” was included in all new student orientation packet.
  • OSU-Cascades student engagement events to promote fixed-route transit and E-fare (September 2019, March 2019, January 2019, October 2018).
  • CET staff partnered with a Girl Scout troop to lead a shopping trip by bus to the Old Mill District (November 2018).
  • Redmond Hub tabling event for 10-year anniversary with Redmond Proficiency Academy (October 2018).

Seniors

• • Staff provided an overview of transportation services at the La Pine Senior Center and answered transportation questions in one-on-one discussions (September 2019).
  • CET partnered with Council on Aging to lead a group of seniors on a field trip to the Deschutes Historical Museum via the Ride Bend microtransit service (August 2019).
  • CET developed Rider’s Guides for Bend and Rural services, which provide an overview of transportation services available in Bend and across the region.
  • Staff developed informational materials to educate older adults how to use fixed-route service through “Transit 101” handout (November 2018)
  • CET led a workshop with Council On Aging staff to provide bus service information to increase access and mobility for older adults (August 2019, October 2018).

People with Disabilities

• • CET staff participated in the SOUL (Sisters Outlaws Unified Living) Resource Fair in Sisters, which provides important resources for those who experience intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Disability for a Day (September 2019) participants at ODOT headquarters in Bend experienced what it is like to experience a disability by boarding a CET bus using an ADA lift.
  • Veteran’s Expo (June 2019) in Madras to promote Community Connector and Dial-A-Ride service to veterans and their families.
  • CET staff participated in the Disability for a Day event (June 2019) in Madras, which demonstrates the daily challenges faced by those who experience disabilities. CET staff provided a bus to provide a hands-on experience boarding a bus with an ADA lift.
  • Through the Travel Training Pilot Project (2017 – 2019), CET collaborated with Abilitree staff to provide travel training for those who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities.
  • CET met with a Peer-to-Peer disabilities advocacy group in Redmond to discuss E-fare, Dial-A-Ride services, and opportunities to participate in the Transit Master Plan public engagement process (November 2018).
  • CET actively attends and participates in Central Oregon Coalition for Access (COCA) meetings to understand ADA challenges and continuous improve public transportation access.
  • CET’s discounted fare offering provides easier access to public transportation services for seniors and those with disabilities.
  • Through 508 Compliance, CET’s website content is accessible for those with visual challenges.

Are You Interested in Travel Training?

For more information about CET’s travel training program contact Ashley Mohni, CET’s Strategic Programs and Partnerships Coordinator (541) 699-4096, amohni@coic.org or Cascades East Transit Ride Center (541) 385-8680.