Applications are open for those who want to help the Amarillo community by serving on a City of Amarillo (COA) board or commission. COA has open positions on more than 25 boards/commissions. The deadline to apply is Nov. 10. Applicants are appointed to boards/commissions by city council. For information on all COA boards and commissions, go to: www.amarillo.gov/boards-commissions/ To apply online, go to: amarillo.granicus.com/boards/forms/515/apply For more information, call the COA Secretary’s Office at (806) 378-3013.Also for more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.

When you have mobility issues, taking a trip to the grocery store or the doctor’s office can be an ordeal. For the past eight years, Pat Scott has been helping make sure Amarillo residents who cannot use traditional Amarillo City Transit (ACT) transportation due to mobility issues have a way to get around the city. Scott is a Dispatcher/Route Supervisor for ACT Demand Response. Scott coordinates transportation service through ACT-Connect, which is ACT’s paratransit service. The service provides public transportation for certified riders who are unable to use fixed-route bus service due to a disability. The service focuses on reliability, accessibility and helping riders connect to their day-to-day destinations throughout Amarillo. “This is a very fulfilling job,” said Scott, who has been with ACT for 26 years in various positions, including as a driver. “You feel great about providing this service because it is a little more than helping people get from Point A to Point B. “Some people may be in a wheelchair or use a walker. Anyone who has a disability and cannot use traditional bus service can use this service.” For Scott, the fulfillment comes from knowing he is making a difference in someone’s life. “A lot of people do not know about this service, and when they find out they get really excited,” Scott said. “You can feel their stress being gone because they don’t have to worry about transportation.” Scott coordinates 250-260 trips a day and 60-70 trips on Saturdays. ACT has eight vans equipped to transport residents in wheelchairs, etc. “We can provide transportation anywhere,” Scott said. “Many of our trips are to places like Walmart or United, and we have a lot of trips for dialysis.” Scott, 67, a former truck driver, plans on working for years to come. He has been married

In recognition of those who serve and protect America, Amarillo City Transit (ACT) is providing free transportation to veterans on Veterans Day (November 11).  Veterans may ride both fixed-route buses and ACT-Connect free of charge. To receive free transportation, veterans simply need to show proof of military service when boarding or using the service.  “It is a privilege to provide free transportation to those who have served our country and sacrificed so much to protect our freedoms,” said ACT Director Christopher Quigley.  ACT and the City of Amarillo are proud to recognize the men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces and thanks them for their service and dedication.  For more information on ACT, including route information, go to: www.amarillo.gov/amarillo-city-transit/  Also for more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.