April 2004
The Newsletter of the Wyoming Public Transit Association
2004 Wyoming Public Transit Association Award Nominations
Transit System of the Year Nominee Transit System of the Year Nominee
Nominee: Meeteetse Recreation District
Nomination by Rita Farmer, Director
Meeteetse Senior Citizens

     First and foremost, it is important to understand the uniqueness and virtual isolation of Meeteetse from the rest of the world, and the difficulty encountered when everyday common necessities are 32 miles to the north in Cody, Wyoming. Meeteetse does not have a pharmacy, a grocery store, or medical facilities. For the most part, this is not a problem. For senior citizens without transportation, however, it is a huge problem and a constant worry.
     John Fernandez, administrator of the Meeteetse Recreation District, saw a need, and with an energetic and enthusiastic attitude put into motion a proposal that helped to acquire a 12-passenger, disability-equipped bus that would be utilized by both the recreation district and the senior citizens as a public transit system. The bus was purchased with a grant from UMTA (now FTA) and matched funds from the recreation district.
     Herein lies the dilemma. John should also be nominated for an award for his dedication. He came up with a creative way to solve a huge problem in the area and is also overseeing the use of the vehicle for the senior citizens. He supervises the drivers and handles all of the maintenance.
     One day each week the district furnishes a driver for the bus, come rain or shine, to get the senior citizens to Cody. Without this service many of Meeteetse’s seniors would not have the opportunity to see to their vital, everyday needs. The service provides seniors the means to see doctors and get prescriptions refilled on a regular basis. They know when the bus travels to Cody and make their appointments accordingly. It is with the utmost respect that I make this recommendation for both John Fernandez and the Recreation District of Meeteetse for providing an invaluable service to its senior population.

Nominee: WRTA Bus Lines
Nomination by Sean Solan, Transportation Manager

     I take great pride in submitting Wind River Transportation Authority (WRTA) for Transit System of the Year. We are constantly reminded that our primary job is to remove barriers for people, even if those barriers are distance or scarcity of population. Any denial of service, for whatever reason, is not acceptable. When 420 young people were stranded while walking over the sixth Mormon crossing from Sweetwater to Louis Lake, WRTA transported them some 24 miles over dirt roads to pavement.
     In a time when “no” seems to be the byword of many services, WRTA’s challenge is to reverse that trend. That word “no” does not exist. We are often reminded that we need to be creative and provide service when required. One client uses a wheelchair, which prevents him from using his personal vehicle. WRTA is his connection, which enables him to continue his lifestyle, regardless of his disability.
     WRTA continues to serve communities by making it possible for troubled youth to water raft in Thermopolis, and Girl Scouts to go swimming and roller-
Editor’s note:

This issue of the Transit Express includes edited nominations for the 2004 WYTRANS awards. Nominee information is in alphabetical order by the agency represented.

Directors of the transit agencies who are WYTRANS members will receive a ballot along with this newsletter. A representative from each agency may vote and return the ballot to WYTRANS no later than 5 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2004. Questions should be directed to Debbie Ehlers or Steve Kurtz at WYTRANS, 307-266-2524.
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Wyoming Transit Express 1 April 2004