Press release:
On Saturday, Nov. 5, 150 private and public transportation providers, leaders, legislators, advocates and families will convene to focus on transportation solutions for people with disabilities and seniors in the Western and Finger Lakes region of New York State.
The summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Genesee Community College, Conable Tech Building, One College Road, Batavia.
Free, wheelchair accessible transportation is being provided by Aspire of WNY in Erie and Niagara counties and Livingston Wyoming Arc in Livingston and Wyoming counties. Lunch is being provided by Key Bank for all participants.
Transportation for rural, suburban, and urban areas throughout Western New York and the Finger Lakes region is the focus of this gathering of officials and community members concerned with transportation for work, recreation, and health for people who do not or cannot drive. There continue to be many gaps in service, especially with recent public bus and service system funding cuts.
Participants will highlight these concerns and gather with experts in the field to develop recommendations for solutions. The intention is to develop the partnerships and collaborations that will be needed to bring in funds to the area and develop projects to meet these needs.
The event is led by a collaborative of public and private provider and advocacy organizations who support people who have transportation needs. It will be attended by representatives from the NFTA, RGRTA, GBNRTC, NYS Department of Transportation, Parks and Recreation, Western NY Independent Living Center, Medical Motors, and several nonprofit service provider agencies.
Panelists who have worked on collaborative solutions to transportation problems in both urban and rural areas will be presenting.
A unique aspect of this event is the opportunity for transportation providers and designers to collaborate with transportation riders and citizens to look at solutions together.
