Although bus transportation in North Royalton has dwindled over the past years, the Greater Cleveland Transit Authority (RTA) is now offering a different transportation solution: RTA VanShare. This new program is an addition to RTA’s other transportation options, such as bus, rapid transit, Park-n-Ride bus, free downtown trolley service and ADA Paratransit service. “RTA wants to offer residents as many transportation choices as possible, to improve their mobility,” said RTA CEO and General Manager, Joe Calabrese.
The RTA Board of Trustees approved the VanShare program last year and have now launched the program. Vanpool programs are not a new concept. The program has already been successfully operated in other cities, such as Columbus, Los Angeles, Tampa Bay and Dallas.
RTA has contracted with Enterprise to offer a commuter the Vanpool program. This new program offers a transportation option for commuters going to and from work within Cuyahoga County. Those who wish to participate must live in Cuyahoga County and/or have a destination in Cuyahoga County.
Enterprise Holdings will provide the driver with a vehicle that best fits the size of the vanpool. They will also help match riders with similar needs, if riders don’t already have others who wish to share their ride. There is a minimum of one driver and six passengers required to set up a Vanpool. The primary driver must be designated, but can be rotated with the other passengers. TheVanShare program includes training and background checks. The driver selects the vehicle that best suits their needs, such as SUVs, minivans and 7-15 seat transits. The group then attends an orientation in order to get started. When the Vanpool begins, the mileage is monitored and the RTA will subsidize the commute at 30 cents per vehicle mile. In the end, the program goal is to be cost-neutral, so there is no additional expense to RTA.
“There’s already a lot of interest,” Calabrese said. “More than 40,000 persons visit that website every week.” Those interested can complete an online form, where they will be asked if they want to be a driver or rider, what commute days are needed, hours, etc.
For more information, visit www.rideRTA.com. Click on the VanShare icon on the home page. Then click “Share the Ride.” Those interested can also phone 1-440-885-6935 or 1-800-VAN-4-WORK. “By adding VanShare, RTA hopes to increase the total number of area residents using RTA’s safe, reliable, clean, and courteous public transportation services,” Calabrese said.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer