Recapping ACT’s virtual discussion on the benefits and challenges of shared private shuttles for employers and commercial properties.

WeDriveU participated in a recent virtual discussion on shared shuttles hosted by the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT). With more than 90 employers, shuttle providers, TMAs, technology providers and consultants on the call, the turnout signaled strong interest in understanding the benefits and challenges of sharing private transportation with other local employers as many shift return to office plans into high gear.

Here are a few of our team’s takeaways from the discussion. If you’re interested, ACT posted a replay of the April 23, 2021 call [membership required].

Shared Shuttle Service: The New Mobility Cost Saver?

Reducing costs

ACT’s call covered the different ways employers, commercial properties and TMAs can configure private transportation systems and the potential cost advantages of sharing across two or more organizations. Examples discussed include long-distance commuter shuttles and first- and last-mile connections between workplaces and public transit.

Shared shuttle successes

From technology companies to research parks, shared employer shuttles are starting to pop up. As WeDriveU’s Chris Jones pointed out, it helps to have a shuttle partner like WeDriveU as a matchmaker between organizations since it can be challenging for employers to find nearby companies on their own that have similar geographic and scheduling needs.

Protecting business information in shared commuting environments is another consideration. Tom Harrington said that educating their employees enabled Intuit to overcome this and achieve cost savings by opening their shuttle system to the general public. Jamie Jarvis from Stanford Research Park also described how they’re improving mobility for employees of multiple tenant companies by offering shared commuter and last-mile shuttles.

Many approaches to consider

While most people think of shared shuttles blending rider populations from nearby businesses, such as the Watertown Connector in Boston, Massachusetts (pictured above), WeDriveU’s Gillian Zoss described a different approach taken by two large Bay Area employers joining together on a shuttle program.

Gillian highlighted how riders from one client commute one direction on WeDriveU’s wifi-enabled buses, and riders from the other company commute on the return trip – not only efficient but more sustainable too.

New revenue opportunities

Mobile technologies are playing an important role, beyond traditional commute planning for passengers. In addition to mobile apps for e-badging, WeDriveU shuttle technologies support electronic boarding passes and e-fares that can be tiered for different entities participating in the shuttle program. You’ll find more on these technologies in our Return to Office/Campus Resource Center.

It was interesting to hear on the call how Amgen’s shared private shuttles in Cambridge allow passengers to reserve seats in advance, something WeDriveU customers have also successfully used for their shuttle programs given reduced capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Special thanks to ACT for facilitating this interesting discussion.

Let’s brainstorm

Like to team with other local organizations in your region on shared private shuttles? Connect with WeDriveU to brainstorm ideas for your workplace or campus.