Metro Bus named TripSpark’s Community Partner of the Year

The Metro Bus Mobility & Training Center was named the first winner of the TripSpark Community Partner

of the Year Award at the annual TripSpark Ignite User Conference in April. The award recognizes “the transit agency among TripSpark and Routematch customers that is most proactively improving community access and implementing DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging) initiatives.” Factors for selection include innovation, uniqueness and impact of the initiative. Metro Bus Community Outreach & Mobility Manager Debbie Anderson and the Mobility Training Center’s staff were recognized for their efforts to ensure everyone who uses public transportation in St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park has an opportunity to learn how to utilize Metro Bus services to the best of their ability.

The Mobility Training Center houses several Metro Bus departments including the Community Outreach & Travel Training Department. Their responsibilities include:

• Conducting group and individual travel trainings. Travel Trainers show trainees how to plan their trip(s), conduct real or simulated Fixed Route bus trips, demonstrate how to use a farebox, and teach them any other skills needed to travel on Fixed Routes.
• Participating in community events to promote Metro Bus services and give basic assistance to individuals who use or intend to use the system.
• Evaluating Dial-a-Ride applicants for eligibility to use the paratransit service.

As one of only a handful of similar facilities in North America, the Mobility Training Center includes meeting spaces, a simulated street environment and a to-scale Fixed Route bus replica complete with seat and a farebox for training passengers. The facility is also the primary location of the Metro Bus Training & Safety and Marketing & Communications Departments.