COURT HOUSE — The Cape May County Board of Chosen Freeholders July 9 recognized Fare Free Drivers Brian Fitzpatrick of Cape May and Lower Township’s David Smith for their winning efforts at the CTAA National Paratransit Roadeo.
Freeholder Leonard Desiderio said, “Brian and David will each need a larger trophy case, since their knowledge and safety skills far surpass most. The Cape May County Fare Free operators have placed third and fourth respectively, in the CTAA National Paratransit Roadeo!”
The event held in New Orleans pitted the top community transportation drivers in the nation in various physical events designed to mimic their daily duties! They included; Vehicle Pre-trip, Wheelchair Securement and an Obstacle Course, testing driving skills. Participants were also subjected to a written exam evaluating their knowledge of Federal ADA regulations, rules of the road and passenger service standards. Each local driver was within points of taking home 1st prize.
Smith and Fitzpatrick took part in a similar New Jersey event last month that was sponsored by the New Jersey Council on Special Transportation and New Jersey Transit. Those groups also paid the expenses for the pair’s trip to the National Competition. Smith took top honors in the state. Fitzpatrick placed second.
Cape May County Fare Free Director Kathy Belles was exuberant when the winners’ names were announced. She remains that way today. “We are extraordinarily proud of both Brian and David. They continue to represent our entire department and county with dignity and pride. Their continued superlative performance and back to back finishes prove that our training program works. Brian and Dave are just two of our many operators who are dedicated daily to the safety of our passengers and the community.”
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