[IMAGE]Valley-Metro-mobility-center-launch-2.jpg[/IMAGE]The Valley Metro Mobility Center, which began providing service to customers on March 1, 2011, was awarded the top honors in transit innovation by the Arizona Transit Association (AzTA) and the Arizona Department of Transportation during AzTA’s annual conference in Mesa, Ariz.

The Outstanding Transit Innovation recognizes an individual, organization or group that has demonstrated innovative program creation, development, management and/or delivery for the public transportation service.

“The Mobility Center is a goal realized, but only the first of many to provide a more efficient way of providing transit and alternative travel for those who rely on it most,” said David A. Boggs, Valley Metro RPTA executive director.

The intent of the Mobility Center, which is located at 4600 E. Washington, is the home of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility determinations for the Valley. The mobility assessment area, known as the Transit Walk, features a life-sized mock streetscape and transit system to lessen the intimidation of being a new rider. This unique facility will also serve as home base for Valley Metro's travel training programs. 

A full-size bus and bus shelter are part of the indoor landscape, as well as varied pavement and ground applications. Input on the development of the Mobility Center was considered by a paratransit technical advisory committee and a regional paratransit stakeholders group.[IMAGE]Valley-Metro-mobility-center-training-2.jpg[/IMAGE]

Also in April, Valley Metro was awarded with 11 prestigious Telly Awards for the Notes Campaign, which is intended to help educate new and existing passengers on the basics of riding transit in the Valley using an animated video message. The Telly’s recognize local advertisers, TV stations and production companies with national recognition.

Valley Metro received seven prestigious Telly Awards for areas including animation and four People’s Telly Awards from the online, global community for the How to Ride the Bus and How to Ride the Light Rail videos. The informational videos feature local bands What Laura Says and Elvis Before Noon. The Notes Campaign began in November 2010, and to date there have been six videos released covering various topics most important to passengers. To view the videos online, go to www.valleymetro.org.