A Year of Free Rides
Central Arlington Resident is the Winning Handitran Applicant

by Cheryel Carpenter
February 10,  2003

Luis Rodriguez has become Handitran's 10,000th applicant. He will be recognized by the Arlington City Council at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 in the Council Chamber at 101 W. Abram St. He is the winner of one year of free Handitran trips.

According to Handitran Manager Juanita Bridges, 54-year-old Rodriguez and his family visited the Handitran office at 501 W. Sanford St. on January 24. He was determined to be the winner once the application process was complete.

Rodriguez, whose English-speaking skills are limited, will be present at the February 11 City Council meeting to receive his prize and certificate. A translator is being provided. 

Since 1981, Arlington's Handitran program has been providing door-to-door, shared-ride transportation services for Arlington and Pantego residents age 65 and older. The service is available six days a week. Handitran provides transit services to people with disabilities regardless of age. 

Handitran offers transportation services anywhere within the city limits of Arlington and Pantego. Passengers regularly call on Handitran for travel to and from work, medical appointments, the grocery store, shopping center, and recreational purposes. An estimated 100,000 trips are made annually.

To complete an application, call 817-459-5390 or visit the City of Arlington Web site at www.ci.arlington.tx.us. A $10 annual application fee is required.

Applicants are required to return the application to the Handitran Office at 501 W. Sanford St. After processing, a Handitran identification card will be mailed. One-way cash fares range from $1.25 per passenger to $37.50 for a monthly pass.