July 24, 2008

TriMet hires Accessible Transportation Programs Director

Ted Newton will help continue to improve accessible service

Ted Newton joins TriMet as the new Accessible Transportation Programs (ATP) Director. He brings decades of experience in the transportation field, working most recently as Director of Transportation for Dayton Public Schools in Ohio. Having a family member with extra needs, his compassion for accessible transportation is close to his heart.

Newton will oversee LIFT and focus on minimizing the ride time to and from destinations, efficiently using buses for load capacity, improving on time performance, employing high quality customer service and working closely with TriMet's Committee on Accessible Transportation (CAT) in reviewing and recommending issues related to TriMet's service plans, policies and programs for accessible transportation.

"Ted's leadership skills will help us to continue to improve our accessible service," said Operations Executive Director Steve Banta. "With baby boomers beginning to retire, we’re going to see more and more people needing accessible transportation in the future, and Ted will help us meet that increasing demand."

Newton began his career in transportation after graduating from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with a degree in political science. He joined the Air Force, where he was trained in various traffic and vehicle operations, management and maintenance. He later worked for Seattle Public Schools as the Director of Transportation, followed by another Director of Transportation position at the North Carolina Zoo. While there, he completed a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in customer service.

Newton lives in Northeast Portland with his wife, Linkin. They have two adult children. A history and travel buff, Newton has visited 49 of the 50 United States. He and his wife plan to visit Wisconsin, the only one left, this summer.

About LIFT

TriMet LIFT service provides door-to-door service for the elderly and people with disabilities who are unable to use regular TriMet service. More than one million LIFT rides were taken in fiscal year 2007. For more information about accessibility services, please e-mail accessible@trimet.org or call 503-962-2455 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.