RTP Launches Web Site at www.rtprides.org

New site to provide information on low-cost rides throughout Cumberland County

Regional Transportation Program (RTP) in Portland has launched an easy-to-use web site at http://www.rtprides.org to better inform Cumberland County residents - including persons with special needs - about RTP's wide range of low-cost ride programs.

The web site, developed for RTP by Wow Pages and Wolfe Public Relations, is divided into 12 sections. Computer users have instant access to a wealth of information about RTP, including:

- Communities served, routes, schedules and costs.

- Programs for seniors, persons with disabilities or others who need rides to go shopping, receive medical care or go to work.

- Commuter-matching services for people in need of regular transportation along the same route at the same time.

- Volunteer driver programs.

- Transportation-related news and announcements.

"We wanted to make sure the site was easy to use for all populations we serve across Cumberland County," said Jon B. McNulty, the not-for-profit group's executive director. "We hope it is used not only by anyone who needs a ride in the area, but also by social workers and other health professionals looking for information to assist their clients."

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 to people who need to get to medical appointments, grocery shopping, work and other necessary services.

The web site highlights the innovative programs RTP has launched in recent years, including a centralized information/referral service called Rider's Choice; a Commuter Transit Network that matches commuters with people who need rides; an Access to Jobs program to help people transition from welfare to work; and a commuter bus service from Saco/Portland to BIW in Bath.

Other longtime RTP programs featured on the site include Shopper's Express, the county-wide bus service, door-to-door rides through volunteer drivers and ADAPT, which helps persons with disabilities ride public transportation in Portland, South Portland and Westbrook.

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

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