FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Martin, LYNX, 407-841-2279 Ext. 3206
Lauren Hames, City of Orlando, 407-246-3106

LYNX AND CITY OF ORLANDO TO
INTRODUCE WAGES PARTNERSHIP

Orlando, Fla. (March 22, 2004) – LYNX, The Central Florida Regional Transportation Authority, the City of Orlando’s Department of Families, Parks and Recreation and Department of Housing and the new Hispanic Office of Local Assistance (HOLA) have partnered to help improve the quality of life for low income residents through the WAGES Transportation Program. The official partnership launch will be held March 31, 2004 at 10 a.m. at the Callahan Neighborhood Center.

The Work And Gain Economic Self-sufficiency (WAGES) Transportation Program provides transportation subsidies to qualified low income and welfare transition residents in Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake counties. Through the WAGES program, residents will have an opportunity to obtain long-term employment and self-sufficiency by receiving transportation benefits such as bus passes, commuter vanpool vouchers or donated bicycles.
The partnership with the City of Orlando departments will feature LYNX-conducted transportation-training seminars in four communities identified by the City’s Department of Families, Parks and Recreation, in addition to seminars conducted at the HOLA Office. The four communities are Parramore, Englewood, Ivey Lane and Citrus Square.

“This is a terrific opportunity for the City of Orlando and LYNX to partner together to help enhance the quality of life for WAGES participants,” said Bill Schneeman, LYNX Acting Executive Director.

The Department of Housing and LYNX will also conduct “Family Day” events in two of these communities to register residents for WAGES program benefits and inform citizens about other City of Orlando services.

The City of Orlando’s Department of Families, Parks and Recreation focuses its activities on community programs that benefit youth, families and seniors. “We are excited about the WAGES program helping City of Orlando residents and LYNX's efforts to aggressively communicate information about it,” said Families, Parks and Recreation Director Byron Brooks.

The City of Orlando fully supports LYNX objectives to offer transportation benefits to residents to actively participate in the workforce. The WAGES Transportation Program will be a key to unlocking many opportunities for self-sufficiency.
 

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