Aerozone Alliance Selected for GCRTA’s Workforce Connector Program with SHARE Mobility
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) announced during the July 25, 2023 Board Meeting the selection of SHARE Mobility as the provider of a workforce connection program for employees in the Aerozone Alliance region.
“The Greater Cleveland RTA is excited to be a contributor with SHARE, the Aerozone Alliance, and local employers in expanding access to employment opportunities to the Aerozone community,” said GCRTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, India L. Birdsong Terry. “We know the value of job accessibility and recognize its importance as it relates to economic development and overall community strength.”
The private-public mobility partnership program was approved by GCRTA to fund 50% of microtransit service cost (up to $300,000), with funding support from a grant awarded by Ohio Department of Transportation’s Ohio Transit Partnership Program. The remaining 50% portion of the microtransit service cost is funded by the Share Mobility team with contributions from participating employers.
“The SHARE Mobility team is very excited to launch our second partnership with the Greater Cleveland RTA this year. Our additional routes from the Brookpark Station will expand access to jobs, better connect the community, and give employers in the area a great opportunity to support their teammates getting to and from work safely and reliably,” said SHARE Mobility CEO Ryan McManus.
SHARE Mobility will be providing rides from GCRTA’s Brookpark Station directly to employment opportunities in the Aerozone Alliance region. That region is comprised of eight communities, (North Olmsted, Fairview Park, Brookpark, Berea, Middleburg Heights, Rocky River, Strongsville, and Cleveland) NASA Glenn Research Center, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport using Brookpark Station as a pick-up point and mobility hub for riders who use the #54, #78, #86, and Red Line routes from metropolitan Cleveland and other connecting neighborhoods. Rides are scheduled in advance to ensure efficiency for riders and sustainability in program implementation.
“The opportunities at the Aerozone District span dramatically; all the way from highly educated and experienced aerospace engineers to entry level technicians,” said Aerozone Executive Director, Hrishue Mahalaha. “Thanks to RTA’s micro-transit grant, we can now address a very critical opportunity of more efficiently connecting the workers to these cutting-edge jobs and significantly easing what can sometimes be a very lengthy and taxing commute.”
This workforce connector program is a result of GCRTA’s effort to expand equitable access to employment opportunities in the Aerozone Alliance region with an 18-month program with SHARE Mobility. This program provides employees with first/last mile rides from the Brookpark Station to employment sites in the Aerozone Alliance region alleviating long walks from GCRTA bus stops to work locations and back.
