BALTIMORE (July 17, 2003)  - The Baltimore Metropolitan Council, on behalf of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), has released an updated and expanded edition of its Out & About Travel Guide, to help the elderly and individuals with disabilities in the Baltimore region meet their special travel needs.  The 2003 edition of the guide lists transportation providers who offer specialized and lift-equipped transportation services in Baltimore City, the City of Annapolis, and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties.  Since the need for specialized transportation services does not stop at the boundaries of the region, the guide also includes services that are available in Maryland counties adjacent to the Baltimore region, and in York County, Pennsylvania.

"The transportation needs of each of us change as we travel through life and grow older or develop special needs," said Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens, the BMC Chair.  "Everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or challenges, needs to be able to go to medical appointments, conduct personal business, and enjoy activities with family and friends.  Providers of specialized transportation services help people get on with day-to-day living."

The 2003 Out & About Travel Guide is organized so that individuals with special travel needs and their caregivers will be able to locate and arrange for the most appropriate transportation services, either daily or on an occasional basis.  The guide lists ninety-three (93) transportation providers that offer a variety of services, and includes public, private, and medical assistance transportation providers.  The main directory is an alphabetical listing with complete information about hours of operation, types of vehicles, special service features, fares and phone numbers.  Special indexes organize providers by type of service, geographic area and population served.

The 2003 Out & About Travel Guide is available FREE in PDF format on BMC’s website at www.baltometro.org.  Highlight "Services", click on "Publications", and then click on the name of the document to open it.  The online edition will be updated regularly throughout the year.  Printed copies can be purchased from BMC’s Regional Information Center by calling 410-732-9570.