In addition to our dedication to upholding our mission and vision, members of CTANW receive benefits, such as:

 

• Electing our organization's leadership
• Voting on changes to our bylaws, annual budget and guiding our strategic plan
• Participation on our core committees, including Advocacy & Legislative, Development, Finance, and more
• Educational Opportunities guided by and designed for members and the accessible/specialized and community transportation industry
• Guiding our Industry Standards, Legislative Agenda, and Educational Offerings
• Connecting with partners, peers, colleagues and other stakeholders in the community and accessible/specialized transportation arena
• Discounts on CTANW programs and services, including educational offerings, training, conferences and more
• Being a part of the Northwest Region's largest organizations dedicated to empowering providers and passengers of accessible/specialized transportation
• And More!

 

For me, CTANW provides an opportunity to connect with colleagues who are all dedicated to serving passengers with specialized transportation needs. CTANW creates a space where we can talk about issues and advocate for ways to improve our systems and better serve our communities. We’ve advocated for the development of the Nonprofit Insurance Pool, Net Neutrality, funding for small and rural transits and nonprofits, fair employment policies, and incentives for fuel efficient vehicles. And right now, our board of directors is working on ways we can enhance our advocacy services even further. As a small transit with a big mission, I enjoy CTANW because it’s an affordable, professional association – small, but with a big impact. – Emily Bergkamp, Intercity Transit

The Gorge TransLink Alliance is a partnership of the five transportation providers in the Columbia River Gorge. As the Mobility Manager for this five-county, bi-state region, I also serve as staff for our rural Alliance.   I appreciate CTANW's bi-state focus and perspective, which allows me to connect my Oregon and Washington transit agencies to relevant training and educational opportunities and also keeps me updated with new policies and guidance from both states.  CTANW has helped me to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic with tools and resources accessed through the CTANW Digest and the website.  On a happier note, my favorite event of the year is the CTANW Annual Summit, which usually takes place in Hood River.  I always leave that summit inspired and ready to launch some of the new and amazingly creative Mobility Management projects I learn about every year.  -Kathy Fitzpatrick, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District

As the president of CTANW I have been able to watch a transition as CTANW grew to the next level as an organization.  I am proud to say I was a part of CTANW back in 1979 when it first began as ESSTA (Evergreen State Specialized Transportation Association). I was the very first president and we were an active volunteer agency. We were able to pass legislation which allowed private nonprofit transportation agencies to be exempt from paying the Washington State fuel tax.  We were respected as the experts for quality service to the elderly, and those with disabilities. 

Today, CTANW continues to help guide transportation services to individuals who have limited resources as we navigate the Coronavirus Pandemic. CTANW will propose new legislation and we can provide leadership, support and training to the specialized transportation field.
1.    HOV Usage: In the next year we will look to improve usage of the HOV lanes by allowing non-emergency transportation companies to navigate the HOV lanes with only a driver, if they are on the way to transport a passenger for medical purposes.
2.    REGULATION OF Securement: CTANW will improve service to those in wheelchairs, scooters, and stretchers through proposed regulation and education of proper securement techniques for those who must secure individuals with disabilities in mobility devices.
3.    FUND Medicaid Administration: We will advocate to fund the Medicaid Brokers so they have available funds to oversee and manage transportation to the transportation disabled.
– Steve Hutchins, Around the Sound/Transpro