MART is proud to bring Travel Training to our region.
What is Travel Training?
Travel training is instruction in how to use MART public transit to get where you need to go. It provides an overview of MART’s services and how to use them, individualized for each person or group.
Training can be offered to staff at community organizations so they can become informed resources. It can also be personalized, one-on-one training for specific destinations. MART will tailor the content and format to match your needs.
Who should participate?
Anyone who wants to better understand MART’s services—especially older adults and individuals with cognitive, mental health, or physical impairments looking to become more independent.
Benefits of Travel Training:
- Enhances freedom, mobility, and independence
- Provides access to safe and low-cost transportation
- Increases self-confidence
- Promotes healthy living by helping you stay active in the community
Travel Trainers Can Teach You:
- How to plan your trip
- Which MART service(s) fit your travel needs
- How to get to and from your bus stop
- How to ride a specific route
- How to recognize bus routes, bus stops, and landmarks
- How to pay fares and purchase passes
- How to board with a mobility device
- Where to position your mobility device on the bus
- How to prepare for the unexpected
- Street crossing safety
- Stranger awareness
- How to read and understand bus schedules
- And more!
Is there a cost for training?
Travel training is provided free of charge.
How do I get Travel Training?
To schedule training, please contact our Travel Trainer at: yazzy.coleman@mrta.us
How to Ride
- Flag the bus to stop at any safe location.
- Please arrive at your stop a few minutes early with fare ready.
- Signal the driver by raising your arm as the bus approaches.
- Once on board, listen for your stop; all published stops are announced.
- To request your stop, press the black strip or pull the yellow cord near a window.
Our Rules of the Road
- Keep children safe and supervised during your trip.
- Only hand-carried parcels allowed; you may not exit to retrieve more once boarded.
- No bicycles permitted on the bus.
For Disabled Riders
- All MART buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts.
- If a lift is unavailable due to emergency or maintenance, a lift-equipped van will be dispatched.
- To qualify for discount fares and receive an ID, call 800-922-5636.
- TDD for deaf/hearing impaired: 800-789-0577.
- ADA service is available in Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, and Athol, and within ¾ mile of fixed routes in Lunenburg, Lancaster, Westminster, Phillipston, Templeton, and Winchendon. Call 800-922-5636 (M–F, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) to enroll.
No Smoking
No writing on seats or bus destruction
No eating or drinking
Keep arms, hands, and head in the bus
Reserve designated seats for passengers with disabilities
Please stay behind the yellow standee line
No playing of audio devices or sound equipment
Disruptive or combative riders, especially under the influence, will be removed
All strollers and carts must be folded before entering
Shirts and shoes must be worn
No littering
Service animals are allowed
No cursing or disruptive behavior
Do not engage in unnecessary conversation with drivers
Do not cross in front of the bus when deboarding