EXTRA, EXTRA/Seniors get bus travel training in style
Last month, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced a bus uniquely designed to train senior citizens to travel on regional transit systems. The bus, called MATT for Mobile Accessible Travel Training, was used at one time as a transit fleet vehicle but was completely rebuilt to meet current safety and fuel efficiency standards. It can hold up to 30 passengers and features three television screens, and audio and video components to play VCR tapes, DVDs and computer programs for classroom-like instruction. DOT staff will use the bus to coordinate “travel training” trips to a Metro rail station so that seniors can learn to read bus schedules and route maps, pay fares, signal bus drivers to stop and board trains. The MATT bus is available for individual seniors and group residences or senior centers that want to learn about transit and transportation programs.