Ask the clients of Harmony in Action what their favourite part of riding Transit Windsor's buses is and you're likely to get a one-word answer: "Eugene!"

Harmony in Action recently partnered with Transit Windsor to create a travel training program that gives adults with a developmental and/or physical disability greater independence and access to public transportation.

The program, which was launched in the spring of 2008, was created with the help of an intern from the University of Windsor who had a placement with Transit Windsor.

Harmony in Action clients are thrilled about the world this has opened up for them and aren't afraid to share their enthusiasm with Eugene, a Transit Windsor driver.

"Hugs for drivers are not out of the ordinary," says Pat Delmore, Director of Operations for Transit Windsor. "The program has taken the intimidation factor out of using public transit. For these clients, that's a big step."

Elizabeth Esposito, Executive Director of Harmony in Action, echoes these sentiments. "The program creates a real sense of independence for our clients and allows them to feel like part of the community," she says.

Rider Dario Dubuc, for example, is already a self-proclaimed "bus expert." Dario takes the bus between his house and Harmony in Action three times a week.

Nick Schuurman, another frequent rider, has even taken it upon himself to help organize outings for other clients. Groups have taken Transit Windsor's routes on regular trips to Chuck E. Cheese and a recent outing to a Windsor Spitfires game.

There are many benefits to breaking down barriers in the community. Clients of Harmony in Action benefit from greater freedom, a sense of community and from the savings associated with decreased travel costs.

By making their services more accessible, the Municipality of Windsor benefits from increased ridership on their conventional transit routes.

And people are taking notice. As Transit Windsor and Harmony in Action continue to work together, other communities are becoming anxious to get involved with a travel training program of their own.