Mini-Van Pilot Project
In January of 2011 ACHD Commuteride in Boise Idaho added 6 mini vans to our fleet to provide a more flexible option for rural, reverse and non-traditional commuting routes and locations. With a fleet of 100 fifteen passenger vans the addition of mini vans is a first step to see if diversification of the fleet of vans can work for Commuteride who serves commuters in southwest Idaho. As of June 23, 2011 five of the six vans have been placed on primarily rural and reverse commute routes. Program coordinator Kirk Montgomery says “We are very pleased with the way the minivan pilot program has been received and has provided Commuteride with another avenue to open our service to new markets.”
May in Motion
Ada County Highway District -Commuteride and Valley Regional Transit promoted alternative transportation month with a month long promotion called May in Motion. May in Motion is designed to reward Treasure Valley employers for educating their employees about transportation-related issues, and encourage their participation in transportation alternatives through a variety of exciting events and activities.
Each of the 73 companies that participated in May in Motion became Alternative Transportation Champions. Each workplace earned one of four different levels of achievement; platinum, gold, bronze or silver. The workplace then received public recognition, valued up to $9,500, depending on the level of achievement.
The award levels were based on workplace participation in three categories:
- alternative transportation incentives and subsidies you offer your employees
- participation in May in Motion
- promotion of alternative transportation at your workplace
May in Motion 2011’s 73 employers participate with over 5,600 employees saving a total of 62,221 trips. Of the 73 employers; 37 were platinum level winners, 12 Gold, 16 Silver, 4 Bronze, and 4 Honorable Mention. Participation doubled compared to 5 years ago starting out with 35 employers.
Commuteride with the help of their Employee Transportation Coordinators increased vanpooling by 1,100 trips from May 2010. Of course vanpooling wasn’t the only increase in alternative transportation, 4-10’s and alternative work hours were the new crazes with area businesses reporting double the amount of saved trips from 2010.
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