[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1667]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE INDEPENDENT TRANSPORTATION NETWORK OF AMERICA FOR 
                      PROVIDING ONE MILLION RIDES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2018

  Ms. PINGREE. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to recognize the Independent 
Transportation Network of America (ITN) for the selfless feat of 
providing one million rides to elderly and visually challenged people 
across the United States. This House Resolution commends ITN, a 
nonprofit, for serving the common good and making it possible for 
people to continue to be active participants in their communities after 
they can no longer drive safely.
  ITN America founder Katherine Freund and her son were in a near fatal 
car accident. Rather than blame the other driver, an elderly man, 
Katherine realized that there were too few public transportation 
options available for elderly or visually impaired individuals to 
navigate their communities. In 1995 the Independent Transportation 
Network of America was born to respond to this critical community need. 
Because of Ms. Freund and her colleagues' passionate study of 
resources, logistics and technology, ITN to grow into a national 
consortium of thirteen affiliates in twelve states.
  In my district, ITN America is much more than a taxi service. Drivers 
go above and beyond to ensure clients have a positive door-to-door 
experience while accommodating for luggage and other needs. ITN is 
constantly lauded for their outstanding customer service and prompt 
availability around the clock. In a letter to the editor of the 
Portland Press Herald, an ITN client effused her relief that she no 
longer has to worry about how she would make it to appointments or 
simply drive to the ocean on the weekend. ITN has restored the dignity 
of countless persons who have retired from driving or never had the 
privilege to drive--granting them agency over the life they deserve.
  I was pleased to introduce H. Res. 851 earlier this year, which 
further recognizes the substantial achievements of ITN America and its 
valuable contributions to countless communities. Again, I congratulate 
the Independent Transportation Network of America and their incredible 
team for their exemplary leadership in achieving the milestone of one 
million rides. Remarkably, this marker hardly quantifies the 
transformative impact they have had on so many lives and I look forward 
to supporting ITN' s continued advocacy for the elderly and those 
unable to drive in Maine and across our nation.

                          ____________________