Rideshare program kicks off
By GREG STAHL
Express Staff Writer
If daunting traffic and a lonely commute have got you down, a new program
that kicks off next week could help.
The Wood River Rideshare program begins with registration at the Cucina
Caffe drive-through in north Hailey on Monday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.
The goal for the fledgling program is to collect the names of as many
people as possible who are interested in sharing commutes to and from work, said director
Beth Callister. Those names will then be entered into a database and be paired with people
who need to do the same commute.
"Using alternatives to driving alone means less congestion and less
stress during your commute, more money in your pocket and cleaner air for us all to
breathe," Callister said in a Monday interview.
The ride share program will help anyone in Blaine County find a car
pooling partner, she said. Those who sign up for the free service will be given a list of
other people who live and work near them.
The program is being funded by the city of Ketchum, Blaine County and the
Idaho Transportation Department. The city of Sun Valley has agreed to consider helping
fund the program in six months.
"If everyone chose an alternative mode [of transportation] just one
day a week, traffic congestion would be reduced by 20 percent," Callister said.
But, she added, make no mistake--the program is not an end-all solution to
the Wood River Valley’s transportation woes.
"It has to be done in combination with other things. Carpooling
isn’t going to fix the problem. It’s just one component that can be done right
now."
The program also will offer guaranteed rides home for car poolers who must
leave early or are stranded.
"If an emergency arises, you can take a taxi to where you need to go
and will be reimbursed by Wood River Rideshare," Callister said.
The program also will work with employers to develop creative trip
reduction programs that offer incentives to encourage employees to use an alternative to
driving alone. The incentives could include preferential parking close to work for
carpools, special bonuses, or flexible or staggered work hours.
Anyone interested in participating in the new program is encouraged to
stop by the Cuchina Caffe Monday morning, where free cups of coffee and a travel mug will
be given to those who register.
Additionally, one can register or ask questions by calling the ride share
program at 725-2030 or toll free at 886-470-RIDE (7433).
