Year in Review: Outstanding TransitConnect Clients and Partners Recognized

As we look back on the year, we’d like to thank all our amazing program partners for their involvement in RideWise programming. To recognize our most outstanding partners and clients from FY22 (Summer 2021 – Spring 2022), we’ll be releasing recognition videos highlighting these great partners over the next several weeks.

Our first set of videos recognize those involved in our TransitConnect program. RideWise has provided travel training instruction through its TransitConnect program since 2015. What began as a presentation on the transportation options in and around Somerset County quickly expanded to include more extensive and hands-on training for participants. Today, more than 400 individuals are taught how to travel safely each year.

Travel training is a lifeline for individuals who can’t drive, enabling them to connect to educational opportunities, jobs, shopping, recreation, and more without relying on family and friends.   TransitConnect provides the confidence and skills to travel independently and safely on buses, trains, and even ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft.  

Participants are taught by RideWise travel trainer Linda Rapacki, a recipient of the 2022 Somerset County Disability Advocate Award.

RideWise takes this opportunity to recognize the inspiring stories of two participants who demonstrate how essential travel training is for daily living – Andrés Ortiz and Raegen Hoeft – and to thank two of our community partners who advocate for travel training for persons with disabilities – Jan Carr-Jones and the Raritan Valley Community College Achievement Center. To watch the videos, visit our website. And keep an eye out for more recognition videos!