Jennifer Mendoza, left, senior director rail safety and mobility programs for Metro, joined Lilly Ortiz, Metro community relations manager, to celebrate the On the Move Riders Program winning the Spirit of Accessibility Award. (photo courtesy of Metro)

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s On the Move Riders Program was recognized for its work to improve mobility for seniors as recipient of Access Services’ Spirit of Accessibility Award. Instituted in 2000, the award honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions toward making transit more accessible.

Created in July 2013, Metro’s On the Move Riders Program empowers older adults with the information and confidence to travel on fixed-route transportation within L.A. County. The program hosts workshops, events and tours to educate older adults on Metro’s transportation system. Riders 62 and older who sign up through Metro receive discounted fares when using their TAP cards. The base fare of $1.75 drops to 35¢ for off-peak one-way rides, and 75¢ during peak hours.

“Public transportation can be a valuable transportation option for older adults,” Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said. “Metro’s On the Move Riders Program gives older adults tools and guidance so they can ride transit with confidence, be more independent, and access a better quality of life. I’m thrilled that our On the Move Riders Program is being recognized, and I thank Access Services for its partnership to give older adults greater access to social activities, healthcare, friends and family.”

The program currently has 54 volunteers who lead 32 peer-to-peer travel training clubs. The volunteers, who are referred to as “travel buddies,” provide monthly practice traveling on public transportation with the older adults in their community. The clubs travel to fun destinations on public transportation and are oriented to the bus and rail system. Participants learn how to navigate the system and make new friends.

For information, visit onthemove@metro.net.