Wisconsin s Rideshare Programs A presentation prepared for Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Regional Planning Commissions September 18-20, 2013 Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Historical Fact In a survey done by the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission in 1975, households were asked to determine a gasoline price threshold beyond which they would make significant changes in their travel modes. Approximately 30% cited $.80 or more cents per gallon as their price threshold! In that same Technical Report the highest income level considered in the survey was $25,000! Household Response to Motor Fuel Shortages and Higher Prices in Southeastern Wisconsin, 1976, SEWRPC, Technical Report number 15.
Wisconsin Rideshare s Infancy First information on record is that on April 29 th, 1975, Milwaukee County, in cooperation with FHWA, WisDOT, and SEWRPC undertook a carpooling effort in the 4 county Milwaukee area to encourage higher vehicle occupancy, effect savings in fuel use, reduce traffic congestion, and parking requirements. State Statute 85.24 Demand management and ridesharing program Purpose to conserve energy, reduce congestion, improve air quality, enhance the efficient use of existing transportation systems by planning and promoting demand management and ridesharing programs.
Rideshare history and carpooling milestones 1982 expanded from 4 county area to all of SE Wisconsin 1990 1994 Clean Air Act Trip Reduction Major business mandates 2007 program interactive Partnership with Madison MPO; merged database and shared website. SE WI database grows from 474 to 1344 2008 Bike Buddy feature added 2008 2009 Statewide accommodations 2010 Construction project traffic mitigation funding 2011 Connections to Facebook, Mobile reporting. 2013 Revised Google maps include bicycle road types; mobile format to website; How to videos; revised state webpages. Current database, statewide, nearly 6,000
What impacts does carpooling have on our environment? Single Occupancy Vehicle Impacts: Medium car emissions: 1.1 pounds of carbon dioxide per mile Plus methane and nitrous oxide Carpool solution: Average car with three passengers naturally decreases that number by one third, to only 0.37 lbs of carbon dioxide per mile.
What impacts does carpooling have on our environment? According to Colorado Pollution Prevention, 100 carpooling people can prevent 1,320 pounds of carbon monoxide and 2,376,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere in a single year.
Carpool economic and environmental solutions Increases traffic flow; less congestion Reduces the impacts of road construction Less traffic delays Construction workers are safer Reduces idling. A bus can burn approximately one gallon of diesel fuel for each hour it idles Drive less = less oil changes and wear and tear on car. Save on parking costs. Reduces stress during commute; social interaction or relax, nap or read. Less need for fossil fuels. Save time..us drivers waste many hours sitting in traffic. Every little bit helps. Collective efforts can make a difference.
Features of the program Carpool and bike buddy matching on line and interactive. Park and Ride lot matching Sign in with Facebook Personal commute tracking with reporting feature Employer reports of employee savings Manage your own account Rideshare staff WisDOT and Madison MPO Provide assistance for transportation options Offer incentives to support use of SOV and active transportation initiatives Help businesses start and implement transportation programs
Some differences: Directing registrants DOT: www.rideshare.wi.gov www.rideshareetc.org Madison MPO: to www.rideshareetc.org Guaranteed Ride Home DOT: Partially reimburses businesses for expense in providing a ride Madison MPO: Provides to anyone who lives in Dane County Advertising funding DOT: Mitigation funding from mega projects Madison MPO: Coordinates a regional transportation option committee that pools funds. Madison MPO Rideshare Coordinator Provides assistance to the City of Madison with TDM activities Partner with Safe Routes to School Program Currently working on establishing a Smart Trips neighborhood based project.
WisDOT Website New How To videos Carpool and bike buddy tips for successful pooling Distinct commuter and employer sections Environmental information for commuters as well as employers A tool box that includes a cost calculator Access to marketing materials Links to information biking, park and ride lots, and out of state programs Links to construction sites and 511 Listen to the radio ads Website is formatted for mobile use
Rideshare Fact In In 2012 www.rideshare.wi.gov had 63,425 total clicks on the webpages.
Targeting Employers Wisconsin website now covers information for employers to start commuter benefit programs. Answers questions as to why should an employer offer a commuter benefit program to their employees What commuting options should an employer consider offering How can an employer build a commuter program? Employer environmental information & toolbox http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybk_5bjpsiw&feat ure=share&list=plb3995decc4b6c61a
Advantages for.. Employers and Employees. Tax savings Partial reimbursement for expenses (GRH, SE WI) Environmental reports LEED credits Increase in employee productivity Program materials and resources. Business video Staff assistance Carpool and bike matching Mobile reporting Reports on their savings How To videos Tax savings Park and ride lots to meet at Construction congestion relief Employer Kit
Results of a commuter benefit program Kohler Corporation, Kohler Wisconsin 2013 183 registrants from four employer locations 3232 carpool trips 12 transit trips 1048 bicycle trips 346 walking trips 42,438 VMT reduction $21,219 Estimated savings Pollution Reduction (in tons) CO.48621200 PM10.00163800 PM25.00379300 NoX.10679700 VOC.06838900 Greenhouse Gasses 20.58262000
Rideshare Fact SE WI & Gtr. WI The most registrations received in any one year was 2008 at 1485. (2012 had 898 new registrations)
Rideshare Fact Historically there are more female registrations than male. In 2012 of known genders of new registrants: 457 females vs. 362 males
Rideshare Fact The match rate for 2012: 65% in SE Wisconsin 45% in Greater Wisconsin 70% in Madison area
Rideshare Fact In 2011 Registrations were received from 46 of Wisconsin s 72 counties plus Illinois and Minnesota. In 2012 Registrations were received from 43 of Wisconsin s 72 counties plus Illinois and Minnesota.
Registrations SE Wisconsin vs. Greater Wisconsin Excluding Dane, Iowa, Sauk, Columbia, Jefferson (Managed by the MPO) 2007 (Interactive) SE Wisconsin Greater Wisconsin % of Total 870 86 9% 2008 1195 296 20% 2009 (Statewide) 470 282 37% 2010 454 385 46% 2011 594 630 51% 2012 385 513 57% 2013 (Thru July) 170 233 58%
Rideshare program and US 41 reconstruction: Brown, Calumet, FDL, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties. Registrations Average/Mo. % increase 2009 Adver: None 2010 Adver: Jul Oct 57 4 115 22 Per advertised month 500% Incr over 2009 2011 Adver: Mar Oct 250 (201 (92%) in those months) 25 per advertised month 117% Incr over 2010 2012 Adver: Mar Oct 158 (114 (72%) in those months 14 per advertised month 37% decline over 2011 300% over 2009 2013 Adver : Mar Oct 97 Jan July 15 per advertised month
Bike Buddy Promotions: Earth Week and Bike to Work Week Web hits Earth Week Web hits Bike to Work Wk YouTube Views 2013 Bike Buddy Registrations SE WI & Gtr WI 2012 Bike Buddy Registrations SE WI & Gtr WI Feb 3 0 Mar 2 13 10 Apr 277 56 21 1 May 181 26 29 3
Special web page for Bike Buddy Promo Special web page for Bike to Work Week Promo
How people hear about the program Radio Highway sign Employer Internet Transit referrals Social Agencies Friend Miscellaneous: Facebook, DMV, Craig s List, newspapers
How MPO s can utilize the program Projects Smart Trip programs Working with employers new and existing Economic Development Chambers of Commerce Solution to growing traffic congestion General public Employer wellness/ health/ sustainability/green fairs. Promote the program on your MPO website Tools Rideshare staff assistance Employer kits Brochures, posters Data from the database Employers represented Number of registrants for each employer Reports on environmental and financial savings by employer(s)
The Commute Less Act of 2013 (HR 2968) was introduced by Congressman Albio Sires (D NJ). Commute Less is legislation that would expand transportation options for commuters by leveraging the resources of employers and the private sector without placing any mandates or increasing the Federal deficit. Specifically the legislation: New Legislation Introduced Requires MPO s to be more inclusive of employers and the development and inclusion of Employer Based Commuter Programs in the transportation plan and TIP. Requires project sponsors for projects with an estimated total cost of $75Mil or more that will reduce traffic flow for more than 120 days to prepare a congestion mitigation plan for such project that includes funding for projects to reduce peak hour vehicle miles traveled along the impacted corridor.
Future Goals for the Program Consolidated logo between partners Revise the WisDOT/MPO joint web page Mobile formatting Print and distribute new print materials reflecting new logo Sustainable dedicated funding source
www.rideshare.wi.gov Karen.Schmiechen@dot.wi.gov 262-521-5454
So quick so simple www.rideshare.wi.gov
Click on Register!
Complete the registration and profile information Name Address Contact information Destination o Manpower World Hdqts. Work hours/flexibility Preferences Carpool Bike pool Driver, rider Smoker Submit your info
What can you do from your welcome page? Run matchlists (by logging in with email and password) for: Carpooling Bike Buddy Park and Ride Lots Track your commute Daily mobile reminders Log in with Facebook Edit your profile Reset your password Link to other info Remove your info Log out
Delete Set your password Go to your email Open the link Set your password Run a matchlist!
Welcome to Rideshare!! Your Welcome Page asks you, what do you want to do? Carpool, Bike buddy, track your commute? Contact by email or texting to determine their interest. Your matchlist will show your matches and where they live and work.
www.rideshare.wi.gov
Wisconsin Rideshare also matches people who wish to bicycle to work together! RIDESHARE program matches bicyclists together who bike the same route Bicyclists can register as either an experienced rider or novice After you register, track your environmental and financial savings Stay healthier, get exercise, and save on air pollution Advantages Together you are more visible to traffic The ride will go faster Security in knowing help is just a bicycle away if need be Together you will feel more confident to try new routes.
Tips for a Successful Carpool Getting Started. Meet the your prospective new car pooling buddies in a public place first before firming up arrangements. Take someone along with you for a second opinion. Ask questions about driving habits. Ask to see their driver s license or other state issued ID and reciprocate the gesture. Make sure they have auto insurance. Trust your instincts. If something doesn t feel quite right, don t go ahead with the arrangement. Exchange emergency medical information once you ve decided to go ahead with the arrangement in case of a crash. Settle on issues such as wait times for a late rider, eating/drinking in the vehicle, music choices, and stops along the way. Have a backup plan if you or the driver becomes ill or if schedules change.
Discuss and agree on a meeting point, i.e., park and ride lots, retail parking lots, and parks. Be punctual Bike Buddy tips Use cell phones to communicate Arrive with your gear and equipment ready to ride Discuss your experience levels and agree who should lead and who should follow Agree on a route before starting out Discuss a pace you will both be comfortable with How will you handle being separated by traffic or signals? Be predictable in your riding habits Warn each other of hazards.
Rideshare. The smart way to commute It s a good feeling to save on fuel! and save money!.and oil changes, parking fees, tires, general wear and tear on the car. It s a good feeling to know you re doing something good for the environment and traffic/construction congestion problems. It s a really good feeling to arrive at work or home less hassled from your commute, having enjoyed conversation, the newspaper, or even a nap!
So can YOU make a difference economically and environmentally? If you carpool with two additional passengers you can reduce the carbon emissions for that vehicle by two thirds. Carpool for one month and your $190 costs is cut to $80 a month! So can Wisconsin Rideshare make a difference economically and environmentally? If only one percent of the successful match reports resulted in a rideshare arrangement the annual benefits would be over a $1,000,000 reduction in commuting costs and a reduction of over 23 tons of carbon monoxide.