Robin Werre, recently retired executive director of Bis-Man Transit, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute Oct. 1 at its annual award banquet in Fargo.
The award recognizes Werre’s efforts in starting and growing the capitol city’s transit system. She was on the original board of directors when the board asked her to serve as executive director on a temporary basis. She retired July 15 after 25 years. It was her empathy for those with disabilities that drove her to push for improved transportation options in Bismarck and Mandan.
Under Werre’s direction, Bis-Man transit launched in 1990 with limited paratransit service. The agency added Capital Area Transit, its fixed-route service, in 2003. Today the system continues to provide door-to-door transportation service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for persons age 60 or older or individuals with disabilities. Capital Area Transit has grown to include 12 routes serving Bismarck and Mandan. Some credit growth of the transit system and its ability to move customers and employees, with enhancing economic growth in the Bismarck-Mandan area. She obtained funding for the current transit facility and for two garage additions.
While at Bis-Man Transit, she was a member and treasurer of Community Elder Service Network, chair and member of the Dakota Center of Independent Living.
Werre is a graduate of Bismarck High School and Bismarck Junior College. She received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Mary College.
Her first career was with Job Service of North Dakota. While working there she served on several commissions appointed by the governor and served as chair and member of the North Dakota Developmental Disabilities Council and Chair of the Protection and Advocacy Board. In 1978, Werre was selected as one of 10 outstanding Women of America.
Werre was also instrumental in launching Bismarck’s Pride Inc., an organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities realize their potential to live and work in the community. She was president and member of the incorporating board of Pride Industries and a member of the board and Central Nodak Development. Werre worked at Pride for eight years. She also served on the Bismarck Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities.
She also served as executive director of the North Dakota Developmental Disabilities for a year before leading Bis-Man Transit.
