APTA /ANCHOR To Host Washington, DC Screening Of Hallmark Hall Of Fame Movie -- "Riding the Bus with my Sister" to Premiere on April 28

April 26, 2005

Contacts: Virginia Miller (202) 496-4816 vmiller@apta.com

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The American Public Transportation Association (APTA), in partnership with the American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), will host a screening of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "Riding the Bus with My Sister" on Thursday, April 28 at the National Press Club from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Inspired by a true story and book by Rachel Simon, "Riding the Bus with My Sister" documents the story of her sister, Beth, a developmentally challenged woman who rides public buses nine hours a day, six days a week with people she calls her "family." Rosie O'Donnell plays Beth, and Andie MacDowell plays the part of Simon, who in the film is a successful fashion photographer in New York City. The movie chronicles the interactions between the passengers, their bus drivers, and the close relationships that develop. It airs Sunday, May 1 at 9 p.m. EST on CBS.

Rachel Simon and one of Beth's local bus drivers will attend the screening and will be available to the press. Members of Congress and officials from the federal government are invited guests.

O'Donnell said Beth, who lived in a group home and did not interact with the public, "One day decided just to go out and get on the bus and see what would happen. And she found a whole new world out there, a whole life, a whole family . . . she was able to enter the world thanks to the bus and bus drivers. When she began her journey she started to thrive."

APTA President William W. Millar said, "We are proud to be a part of this ambitious and insightful production. Beth's story is a poignant lesson on the need for dignity and independence. It shows the importance of public transportation for people from all walks of life. For many people it is literally a lifeline to their schools, jobs, doctors and communities."

Noting that public transportation use has risen 23 percent since 1995, Millar said "In order to participate in our society, you have to be able to get out and about. You've got to be able to get to a job, to get an education, to go to church, to visit your friends, to do your shopping . . . whatever it is you do to make your life better. That's all part of the promise of America. Having choices is fundamental. Having transportation choices is fundamental to that right."

Simon, an author, spent one year traveling on buses with her sister researching the book. She said, "Riding the bus, to Beth and her sisters and brothers, represents freedom and independence. I mean, when you have mastered the bus system in your city you can get anywhere on your own, and you don't have to depend on other people."

Simon said she learned that riding a bus and driving a bus isn't about "getting people to destinations. It's about the journey on the bus. It's about the relationships that form on the bus and because of the bus."

Transit systems across the country will hold various promotional events over the next two months highlighting the role public transportation plays in their communities.

NOTE TO MEDIA:

• Since seats are going fast, if you plan to attend the screening. Please RSVP to Karen Doyle at (202) 496-4882 or email her at kdoyle@apta.com.

• If you want to interview Rachel Simon on April 28 or April 29, please contact Virginia Miller at (202) 496-4816 or email her at vmiller@apta.com.

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APTA is a nonprofit international association of more than 1,500 member organizations including public transportation systems; planning, design, construction and finance firms; product and service providers; academic institutions, and state associations and departments of transportation. APTA members serve the public interest by providing safe, efficient and economical public transportation services and products. Over ninety percent of persons using public transportation in the United States and Canada are served by APTA members.