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SamTrans > News Archive - 2002 > Transit District's Matt Sieger Wins People Who Care Award
Transit District's Matt Sieger Wins People Who Care Award
Hard work, a caring attitude and the ability to inspire are some of the qualities
that helped San Mateo County Transit District Accessibility Specialist Matt Sieger
earn the San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities People Who Care award. Sieger
was given the award in the individual professional category for his work in helping
to provide accessible transit on both SamTrans and Caltrain services.
Specifically, Sieger was recognized for addressing the needs of passengers with
disabilities and implementing improvements, for his role in planning and implementing
the district's Travel Training Program, and for providing excellent customer service.
The San Mateo County Commission on Disabilities has been honoring those who have made
a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities for the past 18
years. They give People Who Care awards in five categories, including media,
individual educator, professional and volunteer, business and agency.
Sieger was chosen from 15 peers in the individual professional category, who were
nominated from various agencies in San Mateo County.
"It's amazing to me that I was selected. The award probably could have gone to a lot
of people," said Sieger.
He said it was rewarding to be in a room of 900 people who are involved in the same
field of work: helping people. "We were all on the same wave-length and all connected.
We're a network of folks who are out there working to help people." Sieger said. "To
stand there and receive this award was kind of humbling. I felt honored to be among
this crowd."
Sieger has been with the transit district for 18 years and has worked in the
Accessible Transit Services Department since its inception in 1992. He attributes his
effectiveness to patience and taking the time to listen. "You can never really
understand the customer with disabilities' situation because you're not in their
shoes. You only know what they tell you and you can't be in too much of a hurry when
you're listening," he said.
Sieger's nomination and letter writing campaign in his support were done secretly.
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