LIAA Community Center User’s Conference August 10, 2007 Traverse City, MI NMRide.net A web-based tool for connecting carpoolers Janie McNabb, Community Relations Coordinator NWM Council of Governments

Transportation Barriers Population dispersal across relatively large geographic area –People with low incomes live outside urban centers –People with low incomes have difficulty with reliable transportation

Transportation Barriers Employers identify poor attendance and/or punctuality as a primary reason for termination – much of which is caused by lack of reliable transportation (source: Poverty Reduction Initiative Employer Survey, 2005)

Northwest Michigan Transportation Alliance (NMTA) NMTA was created to address transportation barriers and increase options Collaboration of more than 20 human services agencies One full-time staff person supplied by BATA Non-emergency health ride

NMTA – Employment & Training Focus on transportation for Employment & Training purposes Carpooling was identified as feasible option How to connect riders and drivers?

Ride Share Web site Central location for carpoolers to connect Connections made that otherwise would not be made Low administrative overhead (versus a call center) One more tool in transportation options “toolbox”

Ride Share Web Site Met with local employers for feedback Employers supported idea NWM Council of Governments offered to create and maintain web site NMRide.net

Challenges – Security Fears Personal information on the Internet –Hid address information from public; contact is made via Carpooling with strangers –Safety tips: meet in public place, etc. Release of liability disclaimer in User Agreement –Must agree when self-registering

Challenges - technical How to Use this Site page Terminology used on site –Made it clear, easy to understand Form should be easy to fill out –Place names and addresses Visuals –Maps

NMRide.net

Challenges - current Lack of use Promotion How to deal with feedback and implementation of suggested changes