RTP Honors Longtime Driver for 20+ Years of Quality Service to Region

Arlene Clow was nonprofit agency's 'Driver of the Year' three times

Regional Transportation Program has honored Arlene L. Clow, a three-time recipient of RTP's "Driver of the Year" award, for her long and distinguished service to passengers throughout Cumberland County.

Clow, a Sebago resident who recently retired after more than 20 years of service, joined RTP in 1978. One of 33 drivers employed by the nonprofit community transportation agency, Clow was named RTP's top driver in 1998, 1997 and 1993.

"Arlene has been a wonderful link to the communities we serve and a fabulous example of how one person can make a difference in peoples' lives," said Jon B. McNulty, executive director of the Portland-based transportation agency. "She will be sorely missed, but we wish her the best in her retirement."

Clow is a native of Laconia, N.H., and a 1951 graduate of Laconia High School. She served on Sebago's Budget Committee for six years and is a member of the United Methodist Church of Sebago. She also worked for 16 years as shop steward for the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 714.

"Driving for RTP allowed me to meet many interesting people throughout Cumberland County," Clow said. "It's been a rewarding, enriching experience."

Established in 1976, RTP is a United Way agency that provides door-to-door transportation to the elderly, social-service agency clients, the economically disadvantaged and persons with disabilities in Cumberland County. RTP serves more than 4,500 people countywide, providing about 1,000 rides a day for people to attend medical appointments, go to work, shop for groceries or other necessary services.

RTP uses volunteers to provide rides when the agency's 27 buses and nine vans are not available. In January, the transportation program run by PROP became part of RTP, creating more demand for RTP services and the need for additional volunteers throughout Cumberland County. At present, the agency has 60 volunteers, who use their own vehicles and are reimbursed for mileage at 30 cents a mile. For additional information about the volunteer driver program, persons may call Chuck Baker at 774-2666, extension 16. If outside the Portland area, call 1-800-244-0704.

RTP has launched a number of innovative programs in the past year to serve local residents, including an Access to Jobs program that gives rides to persons leaving welfare and returning to work; a Commuter Transit Network that reimburses commuters for giving people rides; and Rider's Choice, a program that informs the public of transportation options in the region. To participate in Rider's Choice, area residents may call one telephone number, 774-2666, and are then matched to the appropriate transportation provider, including RTP buses and vans, METRO buses, the South Portland Bus Service, GPCOG's RideShare program, Casco Bay Lines or others.

Located at 127 St. John St. in Portland, RTP serves more than 26 towns in the county, including Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, Westbrook, Gorham, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Freeport, Windham, Standish, Casco and Bridgton.

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