Our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for continued success to myregion.org’s Executive Committee member Rita Kane on her recent appointment to the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged.

This Commission provides needed access to transportation-disadvantaged individuals who, because of physical or mental disability, income status, or age, are unable to transport themselves or to purchase transportation. They are, therefore, dependent upon others to obtain access to healthcare, employment, education, shopping, social activities, or other essential functions of daily living.

This gubernatorial appointment speaks very eloquently of Rita’s hard work and continued efforts to improve the quality of life of the countless individuals whom she serves. We are fortunate that Rita has also committed her talent and expertise to the benefit of our region by serving as Transportation Co-Chair for myregion.org.

A native of Havana, Cuba, and mother of two, her public service began in 1974 when she was appointed Aide to the State Representative and Interim Executive Director of the Florida Commission on Hispanic Populace at the Florida House of Representatives.

It was not until 1989 when her career in transportation began as Contract Manager for Comprehensive Paratransit Services in Miami. Ten years later, Rita moved to Orlando to serve as Vice President and General Manager of Gray Line of Orlando and United Transportation, a company that provides broad transportation services to Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

Rita’s background and expertise opened the doors to the formation of her own company, Orlando Bus, Ltd., in 1998, in partnership with Orange Lake Resort and County Club. As Director of Operations, Rita has made quite an impression in the industry, transporting approximately 80,000 passengers per month.

“One of the joys of a partnership such as this is working with so many fine, dedicated professionals who contribute their time, energy and talent to help build a better future for our region. Let’s express our collective congratulations to Rita for her magnificent achievement,” said Joel Hass, Chairman of myregion.org.

To learn more about the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged, go to www.dot.state.fl.us.