Christopher Walton, director of the Broward County Transportation Department, traveled to Washington, D.C., on July 29, to participate in discussions at the White House with health and human services and public transportation officials on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and how public transit agencies can assist in getting the word out about the program to the millions of transit riders throughout the nation.
Other transit officials on the trip included Peter M. Rogoff, administrator, Federal Transit Administration, and 10 additional public transit agencies, three of which were also from the state of Florida, including Palm Tran and Jacksonville.
In March 2010, President Obama signed comprehensive health reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, making preventive care – including family planning and related services – more accessible and affordable for many Americans.
“White House representatives acknowledged public transportations’ potential impact in reaching every segment of American society to educate and inform them on the ACA law and how it can affect their lives,” said Walton.
According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), in 2012 Americans took 10.5 billion trips on public transportation, the second highest annual ridership number since 1957, and an impressive audience reach in terms of sharing ACA information.
The White House has requested to receive a list of recommended communication channels which transit agencies could make available to promote the ACA. Future discussions will also center on any laws or restrictions that may apply in utilizing public transit properties.
