Travel Training
What Is Travel Training?
Travel Training is a free service offered by Pierce Transit that provides self-paced instruction for individuals with disabilities and seniors who wish to use regular bus service and become familiar with public transportation options.
Who Is Eligible?
- Individuals can use Travel Training when their trips originate or end in Pierce County.
Individuals with disabilities, seniors and individuals using mobility devices.
Individuals who are blind or have low vision and have had orientation and mobility training.
What Are the Benefits?
- Training is self-paced.
Trainees gain confidence from learning to travel independently.
Participant’s increased independence, community involvement, access to employment training and participation in recreational events; which improves their overall quality of life.
- Travel Training provides independence and flexibility to travel whenever and wherever without a reservation.
What Does Travel Training Teach?
Travel Trainers customize training for each person’s needs and help participants learn to:
- Plan their trips
- Use bus route maps and schedules
Where and how to purchase tickets, passes and reduced fare cards
- Travel to and from the bus stops safely
- Identify landmarks for the correct bus stop
- Use aids such as personal trip cards and stop request cards
- Locating and connecting to other buses
- Enjoying more independence
- Maneuvering mobility devices on and off the buses if needed
- Emergency procedures and communicating your needs to the driver
What Types of Travel Training Are Offered?
Travel Training instruction is customized to meet the needs of each passenger. The training is coordinated with the passenger’s daily activities. The goal is to ensure the passengers have the skills and confidence to use the regular bus service.
One-on-One Training
Training takes place in the public environment using resources as they exist in the community, traveling to specific destinations for passengers who need individualized attention. The passenger will be walking to and from the bus stops, crossing intersections and riding regular bus service. Travel trainers design customized tools such as memory aides, visual trip plans, photo flip books and stop request cards to create a customized program for each trainee.
Classroom and Small Group Training
These presentations are available for transition programs, senior living communities, public organizations and other community programs.
This training provides general transit information and familiarization. Classroom sessions focus on riding smart and safe on the regular buses using a PowerPoint presentation and role playing. Travel trainers also facilitate trips to community locations for experience in the community.
Working with a travel trainer will help you feel more comfortable and confident riding on Pierce Transit.
Download PDF Handouts
How Can I Contact Pierce Transit Travel Training Staff?
Pierce Transit Travel Training: (253)984-8208 TTY:711
Pierce Transit Main Phone: (253)581-8000 TTY:711
Fax: (253)984-8154
Mailing Address:
Pierce Transit, 3701 96th St SW, Lakewood, WA 98496
