MetroPool is the prime contractor for one of the most ambitious Transportation Demand Management (TDM) projects in the country – 511NY Rideshare. The downstate New York Integrated TDM Program covers Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley. The project has integrated three DOT regions, and three formerly independent TDM contractors, under a single structure with common objectives and messages aligned with 511NY, Clean Air NY, and other NYSDOT initiatives.
As part of integration and cost savings, MetroPool has consolidated project management, finance, marketing, customer service, ridematching, reporting and evaluation. We also coordinate delivery of services such as carpools, vanpools, transit support, employer outreach, Guaranteed Ride Program, commuter pre-tax benefit and telework across the downstate region. MetroPool is also responsible for the integration of a new TDM brand identity, extensive web development, a new ridematching system and the integration of downstate TDM service with 511NY.org.
Under MetroPool’s project management, and in collaboration with NYSDOT and subcontractor partners ICF and CommuterLink, key 511NY Rideshare accomplishments include:
-Development and launch of the 511NY Ridematching system in the downstate region
-Development of a brand identity for 511NY Rideshare, www.511NY.org
-Creating customized employer portals
-Implemented standards for measuring key project outputs
-Carrying out special promotions in cooperation with local employers, business organizations, transit operators and municipalities
Chemung and Steuben Counties in New York’s Southern Tier region have an underutilized transportation asset (single occupant vehicles) that they wish to leverage to increase commuting options for those living and working in the Counties. They turned to MetroPool to engage with local and regional employers to build a robust ridematching database of commuters that facilitates the formation of carpools.
Commuters will be encouraged to register in the database through a customized 511NY Southern Tier Rideshare Employer Portal. Employers will be recruited into the program through a mix of outreach, public relations, social media and paid advertising. To reach commuters not affiliated with participating employers, portals or general access will be established for Chemung and Steuben Counties. Commuters are encouraged to carpool through coordinated outreach and media promotion.
Park & Ride Lots
MetroPool currently negotiates and manages contracts for eight Park & Ride lots with private property owners in the Hudson Valley on behalf of New York State DOT. Total capacity at the lots is over 200 spaces and robust annual usage has resulted in a reduction of more than 2 million VMTs (vehicle miles traveled) in the region. In addition, MetroPool has promoted new and existing lots in both CT and NY, through a variety of tactics, including community outreach, paid advertising (print, radio and TV) and special events.
Vanpools & Shuttles
For more than three decades, MetroPool has developed, managed and promoted a variety of vanpool and shuttle services promoting mobility options in New York and Connecticut. For one such contract, MetroPool served as the Prime Contractor in the highly successful I-287 Vanpool Corridor Demonstration project from 2002 – 2005, which resulted in more than 80 vans put into service and millions of VMTs reduced in this highly congested corridor.
During the project, a variety of innovative marketing, pricing, customer support and other strategies were introduced to maximize the number of commuters participating and provide an on-going successful vanpool program model — a model that is still used today. Additionally, MetroPool has designed and implemented innovative shuttle services, utilizing vanpools to and from train stations to work sites, eliminating the first-mile/last-mile issues commuters often face utilizing public transportation for commuting to work.
For more information, contact us.