APTA | Passenger Transport
The Source for Public Transportation News and Analysis June 14, 2013
Forward   |   Calendar   |   APTA Home   |   Advertise with Us
Inside
» NEWS HEADLINES
» APTA MEMBER PROFILE
» MEET THE APTA STAFF
» COVERAGE OF THE 2013 APTA RAIL CONFERENCE
» AROUND THE INDUSTRY
» APTA NEWS
» COMMENTARY
» PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
AROUND THE INDUSTRY
PSTA Provides Training for Guide Dogs

The Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) in St. Petersburg, FL, recently joined with Southeastern Guide Dogs to host its first-ever guide dog training session. The purpose of the program is to acclimate guide dogs to the sights, sounds, and feel of riding public transit and teach the animals to properly board, alight, and ride PSTA vehicles.

Eleven guide dogs in training—ages 11 weeks to 15 months—and their raisers rode on a bus operated by Theo Bakomihalis, PSTA safety and security and training supervisor and the agency’s 2005 Driver of the Year. He said of his canine passengers: “They’re arguably one of the cutest . . . and furriest groups I’ve ever driven. They’re so happy and eager to get on the bus, it’s really fun.”

The training involved driving the bus throughout the community and stopping at various locations to let the puppies and their raisers board and alight.

Southeastern Guide Dogs is an organization that trains dogs to help people with visual impairments to allow them to live more independent lives.

« Previous Article
Return to Top
Next Article »
CLASSIFIEDS
» AC Transit, Oakland, CA, is looking for a director of transportation. [More]
» BC Rapid Transit Company, Vancouver, BC, has an opening for a vice president, maintenance. [More]
View more Classified Ads »
TO PLACE AN AD: E-mail or fax the requested date(s) of publication to: ptads@apta.com or FAX to (202) 496-4898. Mailing address is: Passenger Transport, 1666 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006. Ad copy is not accepted by phone. DEADLINE: Noon, Monday, one week prior to publication date. INFORMATION: Phone (202) 496-4877.
© Copyright American Public Transportation Association
1666 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
Telephone (202) 496-4882 • Fax (202) 496-4321
Print Version | Search Back Issues | Contact Us | Unsubscribe