“[TAD], used in combination with other services, such as travel training, is an existing technology worthy of exploration…We are hopeful that continued investigation and demonstration of this technology will not only increase independent mobility for travelers, but also enable them to transfer from more costly, specialized (paratransit) services to less expensive (fixed route) services for part or all of their trips.”
– Alan Abeson, Ed. D., former Director, Easter Seals Project ACTION
“HART is highly encouraged by the ongoing research using cell phone GPS technology as a ‘Travel Assistance Device (TAD)’ that is current under development at CUTR at USF. The TAD is proving its ability to aid many transit riders, especially those with special cognitive needs, to successfully navigate the transit system. Such a device will not only contribute to the independence of those individuals, but will also provide a prolonged increase in transit ridership by creating and supporting life-long riders who utilize public transit as their primary mode of transportation. A positive advantage for a transit system would be an opportunity to enable riders to transfer from costly paratransit to significantly less expensive fixed-route services, which, in turn, provides a tremendous cost-saving to the transit agency.”
– David Armijo, Chief Executive Officer, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit
“From my experience, TRANSPORTATION is the biggest challenge these young adults face when dealing with employment and community activities….My expertise in working with this population is to provide strategies so they can function as independently as possible in the community. Having TAD available to our students will enhance their independence…and will assist my students to travel safely within and beyond the community and empower them with a genuine sense of independence.”
Gigi Gonzalez, Transition Facilitator, Exception Student Education, School Board of Hillsborough County
“TAD will be tremendous for the cognitively disabled, seniors and tourists to help them travel more confidently and independently”
– Amy Datz, State Transit Environmental Facilities Design Program Manager & TAD Project Manager, Florida Department of Transportation
“Implementing a TAD in the hands of our trainees will not only help to reduce the amount of time we must dedicate to each trainee, but it will open the door of [travel trainers’] availability to many more trainees,”
– Mark Sheppard, Travel Trainer, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit.
“I truly believe that there are a lot of people with all kinds of disabilities who have yet to be introduced to accessible mass transportation. I see the Travel Assistance Device being one that can just get a lot more people with developmental disabilities out there using public transportation. And to me, transportation is something you have to have if you’re going to work.”
Terry Moakley, President, Association of Travel Instruction
“Typically when families have [fears of loved ones getting lost] they decline any type of travel training…I think [the GPS-based features of TAD] will give families comfort and then allowing their child or loved one to be independent when it comes to travel.”
Karen Wolf-Branigin, Director of Training and Technical Assistance, Easter Seals Project ACTION
