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For Immediate Release

Contact Information: Brooke Kochanski, Marketing & Communications Manager, (336) 291-4331  ?  brookek@partnc.org

October 15, 2019

PART Express Celebrates 17 Years of Service to the Piedmont Triad

Greensboro, NC — The Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART) would like to thank all of our passengers, supporters, and partners for allowing us to serve you for 17 years! PART Express Routes began on September 30, 2002 and we've been "Connecting Communities" ever since. With 16 Express Bus and Shuttle Routes, PART serves around 450,000 passenger trips per year.

JOIN US TO CELEBRATE! A rider appreciation event is being held at the PART Coble Transportation Center to celebrate the anniversary.

“We are honored to have served the Piedmont Triad for so many years and we look forward to our continued service enhancements and growth,” said PART Executive Director, Scott W. Rhine. “Our riders represent the very existence of our Mission statement, and we hope they enjoy this recognition and celebration.”

When:  Friday, October 18^th 6:00am-1:00pm

Where: PART Coble Transportation Center
              8310 W Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27409

What: Customer Appreciation Event with PART Staff meet and greet,
             music, photo frames for social media, door prizes, and more!

DOOR PRIZES INCLUDE

• PART PRIZE PACK - PART Prize Pack includes your very own I Take PART T-shirt, PART Coffee mug, Custom Mini PART Bus USB, PART reflect/retractable earbuds, PART Lunchbox and cooler pack, PART pen, safety flashlight, tire gauge, power bank charger, and charging cables to charge your phone on the bus!
• PART EXPRESS 31 DAY PASS (QUANTITY OF 3) $80 VALUE
• PART EXPRESS 10 RIDE PASS (QUANTITY OF 3) $20 VALUE
• $50 OMEGA SPORTS GIFTCARDS (QUANTITY OF 3)

The Piedmont Authority for Regional Transportation (PART) is a governmental authority created in 1997 under N.C.G.S. 160A, Article 27 to enhance all forms of transportation in the Piedmont Triad Region. Our work is part of a larger statewide effort to improve mobility systems in North Carolina. Working with our partners and member agencies, we strive to enhance mobility, address congestion, and reduce transportation related impacts on our air quality.

Learn more at www.partnc.org.

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Being a driver for PART is something Twonn Hart takes very seriously. You might even say it’s become a passion for her over the last 11 years. When considering her driving record, safety standards and how often she’s on time, it’s no wonder she’s considered one of the best – and it’s why she was named Driver of the Year for 2020. “I always want to be first,” says Twonn. “I’m just a conscientious person and trying to lead by example. I want to be sure that I’m giving people a safe ride and getting them to their destination on time.”

On an annual basis, PART provides service along 17 bus and shuttle routes throughout the Triad. In 2018 alone, PART’s drivers provided passenger service that helped to reduce nearly 7 million miles. 

While driving and safety are important aspects of the job, Twonn says the key ingredient to being a successful driver – and what sets PART drivers apart – is hospitality. With an average of over 430,000 passenger trips per year, PART’s 38 drivers know that making people feel welcomed and comfortable is what brings them back every day. “As drivers, we are all about making people feel comfortable, especially if it’s their first-time riding and they aren’t quite sure how it all works,” says Twonn. “I always want to find out where people are going, give them tips on where the closest stops are and provide them with details on where they need to be picked up. I want the ride to be the easiest part of their day.”

Twonn provides a crucial service often delivering people to and from the Coble Transportation Center in Greensboro to their jobs or the Piedmont Triad International Airport. Twonn recognizes that she plays a role in helping her passengers with their livelihood. “The passengers I encounter every day often times are going to their jobs, or going to interviews for jobs, and I want to be sure that I don’t add any extra stress to their day and get them where they need to be and on time.”

As the family of PART drivers goes about its daily business, Twonn says there’s always room for new passengers. “I tell people all the time to join us and they can relax and take a ride without having to worry about bad traffic or weather. The seats are comfortable, and we’ll get them to their destination. It’s just a better way to go.”