Travel Training

Travel Training is an individualized program for people with disabilities. A travel trainer will work with you to be able to travel on fixed route transportation. You will gain the freedom to travel on the local bus and metro rail systems in a way that works for you. This program is for beginners who need an orientation to the system to go to work, school or regular activities. We also work with seasoned travelers who want to refine their skills.

What you will learn:

  • You’ve gotten off the Metro at Reston Town Center, now what? We can show you how to use different tools to be able to navigate and walk, bike, roll, or whatever you need to do to get from where you are looking to go. 

  • Your parent is worried that you can’t travel independently. You are not sure whether this is the right bus. You missed your stop. Having the freedom to take the bus independently is a big step. We will listen to any concerns you have and plot out the easiest and safest way to get to where you want to go and back again. We will keep practicing with you and walk through different scenarios until you are comfortable and confident you can travel to where you want to go independently.

  • Want to plan your own trip now that you’ve got the skills to ride the bus and metro? ECNV Travel Trainers can help you use the tools at your disposal to plan your own trips independently. 

  • We can help you to apply for Metro Access, Disability Reduced Fare, or obtain a Senior Smartrip Card (age 65+). We can coach you to advocate for your needs and guide you on how to use those services. 

  • Have a bike or e-bike? We can help you learn to utilize multi-modal transportation options. You will have more flexibility if you can ride your bike to a bus stop, properly secure it, and safely navigate on bike paths, safe biking lanes, and sidewalks where allowed. We can also coach you on how to be safe and smart using your electric bike to tackle more hills and miles more easily than a regular bike. 

  • Licensed to drive in Virginia, but need to boost your confidence? ECNV staff can accompany you as you drive to help build confidence.

Image of the inside of a car with an instructor holding a clipboard with driving instructions sitting in the passenger seat, coaching a driver.

If your disability makes it so that some of the time you are not able to take the bus and Metro, ECNV travel trainers can also help navigate the Metro Access Application, which enables the door-to-door transportation throughout the Northern VA, DC, and DC suburbs of VA area covered by WMATA.

Please fill out our Travel Training Referral Form to request Travel Training or make a referral for someone else.