Worker transportation troubles? Opportunities abound for helping employees get to work

Transportation can be a barrier to employment, especially in suburban and rural areas that lack public transit. Thankfully the Central Indiana Regional Transportation Authority (CIRTA) has programs and resources to help employees get to work.

Commuter Connect

Over 11,000 people in Central Indiana are registered for free transportation resources through CIRTA. By opting into the Commuter Connect database, commuters can get a free match list for people interested in carpooling, plus information about vanpools, buses and biking. Register today at https://commuterconnect.us/register-now/. Anyone who lives or works in Hancock County can participate.

Emergency Ride Home

Anyone in the Commuter Connect database who’s using alternative transportation and working for a Participating Employer can get up to five free emergency cab rides home each year paid for with CIRTA’s grant dollars. This includes people already driving together.  Reach out to CIRTA to get registered.

Participating Employers

This list includes all employers that are partnering with CIRTA to educate their employees. If your employer is not listed, contact CIRTA  today. CIRTA can come to your worksite and set up informational tables, attend all hands meetings and benefit fairs at anytime for free as their job is to educate the public.

Vanpools

In partnership with Commute with Enterprise, CIRTA helps coordinate vanpools for 4-15 people who ride together to work. Vanpools work best for people who travel at least 15 miles one way to work. Vanpool participants split the monthly cost of the vanpool and gas, and CIRTA’s grant dollars pay $50 a month per a rider (up to $350 or $550, depending on occupancy, and the amount of times they ride per month). The cost includes insurance, liability, 24/7 roadside assistance and maintenance. 

CIRTA can work with any employer to get zip codes by shift and complete travel maps to see what the options can be. Learn more at https://commuterconnect.us/employees/vanpool/.

My Freedom Program

This program provides subsidized rides across county lines for people with a disability of any kind or age 60+ and within county lines 7 days a week and anytime during the day once approved. Applications are required. Learn more at https://www.cirta.us/county-connect/transportation-resources/my-freedom-program/.

Learn about more Workforce Resources here.