hello, CHICAGO!
Promoting independence
through innovation.
312-663 HELP (4357).
info@mmpcal.org
Monday – Friday
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Central
What Travel Training Services are available to me in Cook County?
In partnership with RTA, MMP teaches individuals with Disabilities and Seniors how to use public transportation safely and independently throughout Cook County. MMP utilizes an individualized “person-centered” approach to design customized training to fit the individual needs of each trainee, resulting in consistently high levels of success in achieving their transit goals.
Please note that all Travel Training Services listed below are offered in English, and Spanish.
Individual Travel Training
Personalized, in-depth, one-on-one instructional training for Cook County residents to learn the skills needed to use public transit safely and independently. All trainees who qualify for the program can learn up to two (2) destinations providing these are frequently used locations. The number of sessions will be determined by the trainer, based on the progress shown during each session.
RTA/MMP offer a variety of travel training including instruction in the following skills:
- Preparing for travel on transit
- How to plan trips on transit
- Boarding and Exiting transit
- Accessibility features on transit
- ADA Rights and Responsibilities when using transit
- Safety, Weather and Emergency preparedness
Trip/Intensive Training
Designed for trainees with no transit experience who may need specialized intensive training on how to independently use public transit. In addition to the skills listed above, training is completed during multiple sessions.
Orientation Training
Designed for trainees who largely know how to use public transit but would like to learn more about accessibility features of public transit and/or to utilize different routes to familiar destinations.
Visually impaired Individual Orientation Training
Designed for individuals with visual impairments who have completed orientation and mobility training within the last 5 years.
To participate in visually impaired travel training, the trainee must have a PCA that is able to attend all training sessions with the trainee and has been assisting and accompanying the trainee in the community for at least 6 months. These trainings are available as intensive/trip or orientation trainings depending on the needs of the trainee.
Group Travel Training Workshops for the Visually Impaired
Group travel training is offered to Individuals with visual impairments that may not necessarily have a PCA available to attend with them. There are currently four (4 types of group trainings available, held on a quarterly rotating schedule.
Please note: This schedule is subject to change depending on the weather, availability of facilities, or other factors.
- Orientation to Transit (classroom setting)
- Introduction to Ogilvie Train Station (field-based training)
- Introduction to Ogilive Station including a ‘Trip of the Day” to another destination on transit. (field-based training)
- Introduction to CTA Buses: Held at CTA Bus Garage (indoor and outdoor)
Group Travel Training Workshops for the Non-Visually Impaired
We plan to roll-out a training workshop for the non-visually impaired later this year. If you are interested and would like to stay informed, please complete the form.
What are the requirements for participation in Individual Travel Training?
Trainees must be able to demonstrate the following skills:
- Understand and respond to questions asked of them.
- Provide ID information in case of emergency.
- Communicate needs to others (verbal or nonverbal format)
- Identify (or match up) numbers and letters.
- Follow directions.
- Demonstrate the strength and endurance to walk/propel to the bus stop safely.
What benefits are available to me if I participate in Travel Training?
Participants achieve maximum travel independence by learning how to use public transit. We open doors to multiple transportation options allowing trainees more flexibility to travel when and where they want:
- Last minute trips to doctors and pharmacies without having to schedule rides using paratransit.
- Long appointments that may interfere with being able to make it on time to a scheduled return trip on paratransit.
- Savings on gas and parking!
- Gaining a sense of independence that trainees now know how to make their own travel plans and schedules and travel independently in the community!
How do I apply for Travel Training services?
For Individual Travel Training:
Please note that In order to participate in the RTA Travel Training Program, you must be a Cook County resident. Once your request has been submitted, an MMP representative will contact you within 48 business hours (not including weekends).
There are three options for contacting MMP to inquire about Travel Training:
By Phone
312-663 HELP (4357). Please listen for prompts to reach Travel Training Customer Service.
By Email
info@mmpcal.org – Subject “RTA Travel Training Request”
Complete Request Online
CLICK HEREIf you would like to attend a Group Travel Training Workshop for the Visually Impaired
To sign up for a workshop, please contact us to be notified of upcoming group travel training workshops.
CLICK HEREIf you are an AGENCY interested in any of the following activities, please contact MMP!
- Hosting a workshop
- An MMP Presentation
- Having MMP attend an Outreach event
- Signing individuals up for one-on-one travel training
- Signing up a group for small group training
- Other
To host an in-person Workshop, Facility Requirements are:
- A room large enough to hold 10 to 20 attendees plus an instructor
- Room needs to have the ability to show PPT presentations (MMP brings their own computer equipment)
- Facility has the option to oversee the RSVPs- needs to perform confirmation calls the day before in order to ensure minimum attendance.
To host Virtual Workshops, Facility Requirements are:
- Facility has to ensure that participants have equipment and area able to access the internet and know how to access Zoom.
- Facility oversees the RSVPs- needs to perform confirmation calls the day before in order to ensure minimum attendance.