Regional Transportation Program Names Dotty O'Connell 'Driver of the Year'

Dotty O'Connell, a driver with Regional Transportation Program for seven years, has been named ÎDriver of the Year' by the Portland-based community transportation provider.

O'Connell, a resident of Naples, received the award at a recent annual recognition event. She provides transportation to riders in Cumberland County's lakes region, stretching from Windham to Bridgton. "We are proud of our drivers and their accomplishments," said Jon B. McNulty, the executive director of RTP. "It's an honor to be named ÎDriver of the Year.' And I'm sure Dotty's many passengers can attest that she is deserving of this award."

O'Connell is one of 35 professional full and part-time drivers at RTP. Each is trained in defensive driving techniques, passenger sensitivity and passenger safety. Before joining RTP in 1993, she served as a bus driver for SAD 61 for 13 years. She also worked for Microwave Techniques in Raymond. Originally from Wells, she moved to Naples in 1971.

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

The organization has recently launched a number of new, innovative programs to serve its local residents, including "Rider's Choice," which allows area residents to call one telephone number, 774- 2666, to find out about public transportation services in Cumberland County. RTP has also been instrumental in the Access to Jobs program to provide transportation to those transitioning from welfare to work, and the Clean Cities program by adding two propane vehicles to its fleet to help the environment. Other longtime programs of RTP's include the Senior Shopper's Express, a county-wide bus service, the ADAPT program which serves persons with disabilities in Portland, South Portland and Westbrook, and its volunteer driver program.

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