Palm Tran Connection, the paratransit service of Palm Beach County’s public transportation agency, received top honors at the 17th annual Transportation Disadvantaged Training & Technology Conference sponsored by the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged in Lake Buena Vista, August 17-20.
Palm Tran Connection was recognized as the 2009 Urban Community Transportation Coordinator of the Year as the best paratransit service in Florida. This award is presented annually to the transit agency that demonstrates outstanding performance, service delivery and cost effectiveness.
Palm Tran Connection also earned the 2009 Innovation of the Year Award for its role in operating The Link, Palm Tran’s route-deviation service. The Link was cited for offering greater mobility options for residents in areas where fixed-route service is not accessible and for serving as an alternative method of transportation for paratransit riders.
In addition, Palm Tran Connection paratransit vehicle operator Hector Pezzuto was named the 2009 Driver of the Year. On April 23, Pezzuto was driving his route with a passenger on board when he noticed a burning smell coming from his vehicle. He quickly pulled to the side of the road and safely removed the passenger from the vehicle. Within minutes the vehicle was engulfed in flames. His quick and responsible actions limited the loss in this emergency situation.
The Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged works to ensure the availability of efficient, cost-effective, high-quality transportation services for transportation disadvantaged persons. These awards designate Palm Tran as an industry leader for public transportation practices in the state of Florida.
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