Personal Stories

Kati P., 79 A nurse for most of her life, Kati found herself on the receiving end of nursing care following a pulmonary embolism. "It completely changed my life," she said. Giving up driving was a difficult. "I lost my connection to the community until I discovered Special Transit." Kati became a Special Transit rider and today uses the service for most of her independent travel. Kati supports Special Transit through giving to the annual operating fund. "It's not much, but I know it makes a difference."

Marian P., 96. Still living independently in her own home, Marian admits that she’s surprised she has lived as long as she has and wonders what the future has in store for her. Maintaining her independence is important to her. She wants to see her friends, go to church, get her hair done and stay engaged in her community. She started riding Special Transit in 2002 and has been a frequent donor since taking her first ride. Every donation check from Marian comes with a brief thank you note to Special Transit: “Thanks for all you do – every day.”

Hugh S., 96. A World-War II veteran, Hugh comes from a family of servicemen. His grandfather served in the Union Army during the U.S. Civil War and his father in the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II (he died on duty while serving stateside in Denver). Over the years, Hugh has used Special Transit to attend church, to go shopping and to get to medical appointments. Hugh appreciates a commitment to service. He thought for a long time about naming Special Transit in his will and decided that even if he could only give a small amount that it would be worthwhile. "I thought, 'gee whiz' they could really use my help," he said of his decision. "If there was ever a place that I wanted to be responsible for helping- Special Transit is that place."

Christopher B., 18. A recent graduate of Centaurus High School, Christopher participated in Special Transit’s free travel training program so he could learn how to ride the JUMP from his home in Lafayette to downtown Boulder. Now he’s able to go back and forth from his job in the Boulder County Assessor’s office, where he does computerized work on architectural drawings. When not working Chris enjoys horseback riding and listening to country music on his iPod. You might run into Chris at Illegal Pete’s on Pearl Street Mall, which is one of his favorite restaurants.

Lynda S., 69. After completing the travel training program, Lynda is able to travel independently in her community and go to her favorite places. She loves to go to thrift shops looking for bargains and to McDonalds for coffee. She uses public transit almost everyday from her host’s home in Longmont. Being able to use buses confidently and safely offers her a way to do those things that make her happy and improves the quality of her life.

Rose A., 86. A New Mexico native, Rose has 11 children, and so many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren that she can't keep up with them all. She uses Special Transit to go to the Brighton Senior Center for lunch and to play bingo; until a few years ago, she also rode to a volunteer job. "I like to ride because the drivers treat you so nice," she said. "I plan to keep riding as long as I can." Rose has been riding since the paratransit service was first offered in Brighton in 1998.

John and Florence M., both 88. When the elder Florence and John decided it was time to give up their car, their daughter attempted to satisfy her parents' transportation needs. Soon the stress of work, family life and driving kids and parents all over town became overwhelming. The family of six (two parents, two grandparents, two teenagers) looked at different options that would give John and Florence the independence to travel around on their own safely and reliably. Special Transit joined the family. With all the family sharing one residence, John and Florence are busy at home and out in the community. Whether it's a school activity for their grandchildren, volunteering at a local assisted living facility, a doctor's appointment or dinner out at their favorite restaurant, the Country Buffet in Longmont, the Martins rely on Special Transit to get them there with care.

Alan G., 57. Six years ago, Alan moved from his life-long home in Pittsburgh to Boulder. Although he enjoyed walking to appointments, he wanted more transportation options when the weather was cold or wet. He successfully completed the travel training program in December 2005 and has been taking the bus to his weekly yoga class at the Boulder Recreation Center. He always takes a book with him when he travels and enjoys reading while he waits for the bus.

Michael W., 50. The day that Michael had to use both hands to lift his leg onto the brake pedal was the day he knew it was time to park his van for good. The progression of his multiple sclerosis (MS) brought his driving career to an end. He knew Special Transit was an option, but he told himself he would not use it until he had to. "I can do a lot and will do a lot," he asserted. He was elected Building Council President in his residence complex and then appointed to the Boulder Housing Authority in 2002. Michael uses Special Transit for doctors' appointments, grocery shopping, city meetings and dinners out.