MTA spreads the word on availability of wheelchair-lift buses
To encourage disabled people to use public transportation, the Mass Transit Administration brought one of its specially equipped buses to Opportunity Builders in Linthicum Wednesday.
As part of an ongoing educational program, MTA officials showed retarded clients of the vocational training center how to board a wheelchair-lift bus.
For several years, half of the buses in the Baltimore region's fleet have been equipped to carry wheelchairs, said Kathy Kohls, MTA spokeswoman.
But disabled people often have been reluctant to ride the buses because they feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, Ms. Kohls said.
About a year ago, the MTA started an educational outreach program, traveling to sites on request to give demonstrations, she said.
"Our purpose is to get as many disabled adults familiar and comfortable with the use of the wheelchair-lift equipped buses," she said.
Disabled riders can call to have a special bus dispatched the next day to a designated bus stop, Ms. Kohls said.
Opportunity Builders, off Dorsey Road, offers vocational training for mentally handicapped adults.
POLICE LOG
* Brooklyn Park: A resident reported to police that someone broke into his home in the 4200 block of Fourth Street Tuesday and stole appliances.
* Hanover: Someone broke into a van parked in the 2600 block of Cabover Drive Tuesday and stole the battery.
* Brooklyn Park: A woman reported that someone broke into her apartment in the 600 block of Church St. Wednesday and stole $55 from her dresser.