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Top Headlines

For Immediate Release
September 28, 2000

Contact:

Beryl Wolfe
(207) 775-5115

Web Site: http://www.rtprides.org

New Transit Network Enables Commuters to Earn Money and Help Those in Need

RTP Seeks Southern Maine Commuters

Regional Transportation Program (RTP) has launched the Commuter Transit Network (CTN), a new program that enables commuters throughout southern Maine to provide a valuable community service and earn money on the way to work.

The CTN matches commuters with residents in need of regular transportation along the same route at the same times. The drivers pick up assigned riders on the way to or from work, and are reimbursed 30 cents a mile for the distance they travel each day.

"We are trying to capture the commuter hour," said Jon B. McNulty, executive director at RTP. "These are people who drive the same route every day and wouldn't mind doing something nice for someone and earning some extra money to boot. The Commuter Transit Network really marks a different way of looking at volunteer transportation in southern Maine."

(Media interested in speaking to participants in CTN may call Chuck Baker, RTP's director of services, at 774-2666, ext. 16, or Jason Wolfe at Wolfe Public Relations, 775-5115 or jason@wolfenews.com, to arrange interviews.)

McNulty estimated that 50 to 60 southern Maine residents presently could benefit from the CTN. He is urging all interested commuters to become involved. CTN officials also are reaching out to area corporations and are available to make presentations about CTN to groups of employees as a way to attract commuters. For more information and/or to request a registration form, call RTP at 774-2666.

The CTN is a collaboration between RTP and two other transportation agencies, Peoples Regional Opportunity Program (PROP) and the York County Community Action Corp (YCCAC). The CTN is managed with the help of the Greater Portland Council of Government's (GPCOG) RideShare program.

Once a commuter registers, their route and schedule are entered into a database and matched to clients of RTP and the other agencies. A commuter could either provide a ride on the way to work, or on the way home. McNulty said a commuter can earn as much as $20 to $40 a week in the program. The reimbursement component is funded through a combination of federal and state sources targeted at the transportation of those in need, he said.

GPCOG's David Willauer said another benefit of CTN is it will help relieve traffic congestion in and around the Portland area by reducing the number of vehicles on the roadway.

Most of those who need transportation live away from public bus routes and can't or don't drive. Many are elderly or disabled. They need rides to sheltered workshops, counseling, regular medical appointments, work sites, training and other routine services. In the past, they have depended on volunteer drivers through RTP and other agencies. But high gas prices and the strong job market have caused a steady decrease in the pool of volunteer drivers. That's a major reason RTP is tapping into daily commuters, McNulty said.

"These are people already going in that direction anyway," he said. "This program makes perfect sense from a transportation perspective and from a community service perspective. We envision that once we find matches here, they will be hooked up for weeks, even months. So it's well worth the effort."

About RTP
Established in 1976, RTP is a United Way agency that provides door-to-door transportation to the elderly, social service agency clients, the economically disadvantaged and persons with disabilities in Cumberland County. RTP serves more than 4,500 people countywide, providing about 1,000 rides a day to people who need to get to medical appointments, grocery shopping, work and other necessary services.

Located at 127 St. John St., RTP serves more than 26 towns in the county, including Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Cape Elizabeth, Westbrook, Gorham, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Freeport, Windham, Standish, Casco, Bridgton and others. The organization has recently launched a number of innovative programs to serve its local residents, including "Rider's Choice," which allows area residents to call one telephone number, 774-2666, and be matched to the appropriate transportation provider, including RTP buses and vans, PROP volunteer drivers, METRO buses, the South Portland Bus Service, and the GPCOG's RideShare program.

RTP has also been instrumental in the Access to Jobs program to provide transportation to those transitioning from welfare to work, and the Clean Cities program by adding a propane vehicle to its fleet to help the environment. Other longtime programs of RTP's include the Senior Shopper's Express, a county-wide bus service, the ADAPT program which serves persons with disabilities in Portland, South Portland and Westbrook, and its volunteer driver program.

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