On May 7th and 12th, PATH conducted a pair of hands-on transportation workshops at The Center at Belvedere in Charlottesville. Held in partnership with The Center, these workshops aimed to help older adults and individuals with disabilities build confidence and independence in using local public transit options.
Each session began with an overview of the various transportation services available in Charlottesville and the surrounding counties, including Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT), Jaunt, and other accessible mobility options. PATH staff provided participants with practical information on how to plan trips, book rides, and navigate service zones, while also answering questions related to accessibility, fares, and rider support features.
After the classroom portion, participants had the unique opportunity to board and ride a CAT bus, with guidance from both PATH staff and members of the CAT team. This real-time, experiential learning approach helped demystify the process of using public transportation, especially for those who may have limited prior experience or mobility concerns.
These travel training sessions are set to become a recurring offering at The Center at Belvedere, as part of PATH’s broader effort to improve mobility, reduce social isolation, and empower community members to travel independently. Future workshops will continue to focus on personalized support and practical experience to ensure that all residents—regardless of age or ability—can confidently navigate the transportation resources in their region.