To view all the elements of this campaign visit www.wmrideshare.org/media
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Rapid launches expanded Rideshare program, new awareness campaign. Survey of 700 Rideshare users found saving money is No. 1 benefit; going green is No. 2 GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – September 21, 2009 – The Rapid kicks off an expanded Rideshare program with a commuter event during morning drive time on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the MDOT park-and-ride lot at East Beltline and I-96. The Rapid’s West Michigan Rideshare program, previously known as the car/ vanpooling program, in place since 2006, has grown to more than 5,000 currently registered users. The Rapid also will launch a new Ridesharing Web site that links to The Rapid’s main Web site. (www.wmrideshare.org) The new Rideshare site explains program features that benefit carpoolers and companies in Kent, Ottawa and Allegan counties. The kickoff event includes free coffee for commuters from Biggby, the event sponsor. In addition to The Rapid’s CEO Peter Varga and other staff, Grand Rapids Commissioner David LaGrand and representatives from three employers using the Rideshare program – Amway, Perrigo and Grand Valley State University – will attend. A representative from Grand Valley Metro Council / West Michigan Clean Air Coalition will have information on hand.
“We want people to stop by – whether they’re currently ridesharing or not – grab a cup of free coffee and learn more about how they can benefit from Ridesharing,” - The Rapid Business Transportation and Public Outreach Coordinator, Kevin Wisselink The Ridesharing program, funded by a federal grant, has several facets, including an online “commuter matchmaking system,” a vanpool program for commuters and employers, and a guaranteed-ride-home program. The Rapid surveyed Rideshare participates this June, with 700 respondents. The No. 1 reason cited for Ridesharing is to save money: 81% of respondents said financial savings is the overwhelming reason they rideshare. Ridesharing saves on gas, car maintenance and parking costs. Survey respondents also cited caring about the environment and other benefits. Tuesday’s event will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the MDOT Park & Ride lot at East Beltline and I-96 (look for Malarky’s Restaurant). About The Rapid: The Rapid, under the auspices of the Interurban Transit Partnership, serves East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, Wyoming and portions of Alpine, Byron, Cascade and Gaines Townships. Last year, The Rapid provided over 9 million rides, an all-time high in public transportation trips in the greater Grand Rapids metro area. For more information visit www.ridetherapid.org Media contacts: Primary contact:
Secondary contact:
Molly Klimas
Kevin Wisselink
M: (616) 443-4647
M: (616) 774-1159
Klimas@intentpr.com
KWisselink@ridetherapid.org