GET INVOLVED

Valley Regional Transit (VRT) is always looking at ways to get the public involved in what we do. An excellent way to learn more about public transportation and help shape the future of transit in the Treasure Valley is to join the VRT Community Resource Group.

Group Purpose

The Community Resource Group is a pool of volunteers VRT can call as needed on transit-related issues where public input and wisdom are necessary or desired.This is not a standing committee. Group members will represent a diversity of constituencies and will focus on people who use the services provided by VRT and its partners.The formation of the Community Resource Group is an objective in VRT's December 2002 Strategic Plan.

Group Responsibilities

• Support Valley Regional Transit's 's public involvement process
• Provide specific input on a variety of issues such as testing market concepts, funding options and other issues
• Attend public transportation orientation session

Meeting location TBD. Schedule is on an as-needed basis.

VRT responsibilities

• Maintain an up-to-date database of members
• Convene members when issues arise
• Total coordination of meeting, including agenda development, securing a meeting locale and providing needed background materials
• Document and communicate outcomes of group meetings to participants
• Maintain a diversity of group members
• Provide orientation/training

Training

Central to the success of each member of the Community Resource Group is an understanding of many complex issues. VRT staff will provide group members with the training necessary for them to become productive contributors. The training will include:

• An overview of existing Treasure Valley public transportation services
• A synopsis of Valley Regional Transit - Its history, the role of a regional transportation authority, its strategic plan and organizational structure
• An overview of public transportation - What it is, how it is funded, regulatory issues and other general information
• Issue-specific training such as effective marketing campaigns and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements

Members

Membership will come from Canyon and Ada counties and will include: neighborhood associations; urban and rural riders of all services; transit reluctant people; senior citizens; people with disabilities; social service providers; minorities and immigrant populations; youth/students; school districts (K-12 and college); employers; chambers of commerce; Boys and Girls Clubs; YMCA; advocacy groups; bicyclists.

For more information, you can contact Mark Carnopis, VRT Community Relations Manager, at 208-846-8547, ext. 4215, or send him an email at mcarnopis@valleyregionaltransit.org.