ConnectWorks: Bridging the Gap Between Home and Work

Microtransit: A Game-changer in Transportation

The ConnectWorks program is a collaboration between SHARE Mobility and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA). The Aerozone Alliance Region is the second ConnectWorks location that has been included, it’s also available from Southgate Transit Center in Maple Heights to Solon area employers.

This groundbreaking program aims to connect employees to ride from GCRTA's Brookpark station to their workplaces in the Aerozone Alliance Region. The flexibility and efficiency of the program makes it a valuable transportation solution, and the ConnectWorks mobile app ensures that passengers can request rides at their convenience, thereby reducing wait times and enhancing their overall transit experience.

Microtransit aims to combine traditional fixed-route public transit services and ride-share technology (APTA, 2022). In regions with fluctuating demand, this adaptability is particularly valuable, as resources can be allocated more effectively. Employers can also offer the program as an employee benefit, thereby increasing access to employment.

Employees in the Aerozone Alliance Region can easily request a ride to and from a GCRTA bus stop or train station, with rides available between 7 am and 6 pm, Monday through Friday. Companies can register for the program at https://go.sharemobility.com/aerozone or email RTA@sharemobility.com for more information.

Making Transportation Accessible for All

Microtransit addresses one of the most critical transportation challenges: accessibility. This innovative service caters to individuals who may lack access to traditional public transportation or reside in areas underserved by conventional transit systems.

By offering on-demand services, microtransit ensures that transportation is within reach for everyone, regardless of their location or mobility challenges. “The ConnectWorks program, operated by SHARE Mobility, is a transit access strategy designed to eliminate the challenges of the first-mile last-mile dilemma,” said GCRTA General Manager and CEO, India L. Birdsong Terry. “We are excited to team up again with SHARE Mobility in expanding the program to connect people to workforce and economic development opportunities in the Aerozone Alliance Region.”

Microtransit: A Cost-Effective Solution 

Besides its environmental benefits, such as reducing greenhouse emissions, microtransit offers an affordable means of transportation for employees, particularly those without access to a personal vehicle.

In Cleveland, a city where approximately 22.4% of residents do not own a car, this program opens doors to employment opportunities. Owning and maintaining a car can be a considerable financial burden for many households. Public transportation not only saves individuals money on gas, parking fees, and car maintenance, but also significantly reduces the average household's transportation expenses.

In fact, households can save nearly $10,000 annually by utilizing public transportation and reducing their reliance on personal vehicles. The ConnectWorks program, a microtransit initiative, is revolutionizing the way we approach commuting by making transportation accessible, affordable, and environmentally responsible. This service connects employees to their workplaces efficiently, and sustainably, and paves the way for a brighter and more connected future for communities in the Greater Cleveland area.