HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Gov. Tom Ridge's
efforts to make state government more accessible to all Pennsylvanians,
PennDOT's new mobile driver and vehicle services unit will visit the
Pittsburgh area on Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Green Tree
Octoberfest.  PennDOT was invited to the event by State Representative Thomas
Stephenson (R-42).
    Octoberfest, which is sponsored by the Green Tree Borough, will be held at
Fred Aiken Elementary School, 881 Greentree Road, Green Tree.  The mobile unit
will be featured at the weekend-long event from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on
Oct. 4, and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Oct. 5.  Members of the general
public and media are invited to attend.
    "Gov. Ridge has challenged all of state government to provide
Pennsylvanians greater access to its services," said State Transportation
Secretary Bradley L. Mallory.  "This mobile services unit further demonstrates
PennDOT's commitment to meeting that challenge and in turn, better serving our
customers.  It allows us to deliver services to citizens throughout the
Commonwealth, where and when they need it."
    Mallory officially unveiled the mobile unit at ribbon-cutting ceremonies
held in Erie on Aug. 15, 1997.  The project was a joint effort between PennDOT
and the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
    To be as cost efficient as possible, PennDOT purchased a used 1986 Neoplan
motor coach in January 1997 through competitive bid.  The motor coach then
underwent complete interior and exterior refurbishing by inmates at the State
Correctional Institution at Albion.
    The mobile unit visits community events, fairs, schools, senior citizen
centers, office complexes and trade shows.  In emergencies, the mobile unit
may also assist disaster victims by providing immediate support.
    Customers can expect on-the-spot service for most driver and vehicle
transactions.  Services featured on the mobile unit include:  driver license
and registration renewals; photo identification; change of address requests
for licenses or registrations; and special fund license plate purchases.
    PennD0T can now bring these services directly to Pennsylvania communities
through a telecommunications connection.  Equipment aboard the mobile unit
allows direct communication with PennDOT's mainframe computer.
    The air-conditioned vehicle measures 40-feet-long, and has an interior
layout similar to PennDOT's Customer Service Center in Harrisburg.  Inside,
customers will find user-friendly counters that make business transactions
comfortable but confidential.  Outside, seating under a protective awning
provides customers with a weather-proof waiting area and information resource
center.  PennDOT had a lift installed to ensure the vehicle is handicapped-
accessible.
    Staffing includes PennDOT employees who are skilled in handling customer
needs.
    Total costs associated with the vehicle's purchase and renovation were
$107,000.  A new vehicle without interior modifications and equipment would
have cost the Commonwealth over $200,000.
    In addition to PennDOT's mobile driver and vehicle services unit, PennDOT
operates 95 photo centers and 72 driver license centers throughout
Pennsylvania.  Pennsylvanians have on-the-spot access to driver and vehicle
services through 40 private sector, on-line messenger companies that operate
in the Commonwealth.

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