RTA, Bannockburn, GlenStar and Lyft Announce First Mile/Last Mile Transit Pilot
April 9, 2019
April 9, 2019
BANNOCKBURN, IL – The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), the Village of Bannockburn, GlenStar Properties (GlenStar) and Lyft are teaming up to launch a new weekday ridehail pilot that connects commuters from nearby Metra stations to GlenStar’s Bannockburn Lakes office complex, which is located on Waukegan Road south of Half Day Road. The Village of Bannockburn is providing assistance and guidance to establish the pilot and outreach to the business community.
Bannockburn Lakes tenants will be provided with a monthly Lyft pass that allows access to free rides between the office complex and one of the following four Metra stations on weekdays between 4:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.:
Lyft is also providing commuters with real-time information on Metra transit services through its new Nearby Transit feature. The feature gives riders the ability to see routes and schedules directly in the app, making the connection even easier for commuters between Bannockburn Lakes, Metra stops and their final destinations.
“This partnership is an innovative way to leverage Metra’s service and make it more convenient for riders to take transit to and from work,” said RTA Executive Director Leanne Redden. “This pilot, along with others we are considering throughout the region, have the potential to provide a new solution to the age-old last mile problem and connect riders to their jobs.”
“This is a terrific example of public and private organizations working together to develop a unique solution to a common problem, connecting local businesses with public transportation hubs in order to expand their work force reach,” said Bannockburn Village President Bud Rothing. “The Village continually strives to support both residential and commercial interests with the goal of making the Village of Bannockburn the ideal community to both live and work.”
“Our goal is to enhance the tenant experience and accessibility at Bannockburn Lakes and this first and last mile program is a terrific amenity for our tenants who now have additional commute options,” said Michael Klein, Managing Principal at GlenStar. “We are pleased to be involved in this partnership with Lyft, the RTA, and the Village of Bannockburn to make this a reality for our tenants.”
"Lyft was founded with the mission to reduce personal car ownership while removing transportation barriers. We are thrilled to be partnering with the RTA, Village of Bannockburn and GlenStar to help create a frictionless commute for Bannockburn Lakes employees," said David Katcher, Midwest General Manager, Lyft. "Providing first and last mile transportation is at the core of what we do and a prime use case of our Nearby Transit feature. We're incredibly excited to be part of this innovative new program."
The pilot program is scheduled to run for up to two years. It is subject to review after one year. GlenStar will fund 75 percent of the pilot’s costs while the RTA will fund the remaining 25 percent.
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