New U.S. Department of Transportation Award Recognizes Coordinated Transportation Services

U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta today presented five states with United We Ride State Leadership Awards for excellence in improving transportation for older adults, people with disabilities and low-income families. During an evening reception in Washington, DC, the Secretary presented Washington Governor Gary Locke and officials from the states of Florida, Maryland, North Carolina and Ohio awards for their statewide efforts to provide more and better transportation services without increasing costs.

The awards are part of a new multi-agency federal initiative - United We Ride - sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its partners at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education. United We Ride is a five-part initiative that encourages the coordination of transportation services for people to access health care, employment and employment-related services, and other community resources.

"These individuals have demonstrated outstanding leadership in breaking down barriers between transportation programs to get more people to more places," Secretary Mineta said. "America needs common sense transportation solutions that make it easier for people who cannot drive or afford a car to get to jobs, doctor appointments, grocery stores and other daily activities."

The congressional reception was held in conjunction with the National Leadership Forum on Human Service Transportation Coordination in Washington, D.C. The forum, which continues through Feb. 25, brings together senior state government leadership teams to share best practices and new ideas for improving transportation options.

"The awards will raise the visibility of successful states, and provide states and communities with models to help them make improvements in their own transportation programs," said Federal Transit Administrator Jennifer L. Dorn. "Our goal is provide more and better transportation to people who need help, and United We Ride is one way we are working together to make that a reality."

More information on United We Ride can be found at http://www.fta.dot.gov.