Advocacy is an important part of ensuring that people have access to the transportation services they rely on every day. Recently, two members of the Via Mobility Services leadership team traveled to Washington, D.C., to help elevate the voices of the communities we serve.
Our Deputy General Manager, Dena Boutwell, and Director of Operations for Paratransit & Mobility Services, Adriana Torres, were invited to represent Via Mobility Services, as well as the Colorado Association of Transit Agencies and the Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA), during meetings with members of Colorado’s congressional delegation.
During their visit, Dena and Adriana shared the importance of public transportation and nonprofit paratransit services, highlighting how these programs connect people to healthcare, employment, education, and community life. They also discussed the ongoing need for federal support to help transportation providers meet growing community needs.
Advocacy efforts like these help ensure that policymakers understand the real-world impact of transportation services and the essential role they play in supporting independence, mobility, and quality of life for people of all ages and abilities.
This work requires dedication and persistence year after year. Dena has become one of Via Mobility Services’ in-house leaders in transportation advocacy, helping to build strong relationships and champion the needs of our riders at the national level. This trip also marked Adriana’s first experience participating in federal advocacy efforts, bringing valuable operational insight and firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing paratransit services today.
We are grateful to both Dena and Adriana for representing Via Mobility Services and the people we serve. Their commitment helps ensure that the voices of our riders, communities, and nonprofit transportation providers are heard where important decisions are made.
Together, we continue working toward a future where everyone has access to the mobility options they need to live independently and stay connected to their communities.
