News Releases
RIDE Solutions Expands on Award-Winning Services with Additional Online Tools
For Immediate Release, 10/14/2008
Roanoke, VA., October 14, 2008 – Even with the recent drop in gas prices, drivers are feeling the pain at the pump as filling up costs an average 24% more than this time last year. That’s why RIDE Solutions is adding programs to reach out to commuters and get them connected to their transportation options. Already recognized this year by an Excellence in Regional Transportation Planning award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for its online interactive bicycle map, RIDE Solutions is now expanding the efforts that also earned it a 2008 Innovation Award from NADO for its public outreach and promotion.
"Commuters’ needs can change from day-to-day," says Jeremy Holmes, Program Director, "and we want to make sure we’re there to help when they need it. We also recognize that some commuters are hesitant to try a new commute mode until they’re comfortable that it will work for them. That’s why we’re providing as much information as possible through services like Twitter, Craigslist, and Facebook which provide plenty of communication options to our customers."
Among the new services that RIDE Solutions now offers are:
These efforts join the RIDE Solutions YouTube channel, MySpace page, and the NewVA Moves blog in a growing menu of interactive tools and multimedia RIDE Solutions is using to promote its services.
RIDE Solutions serves everyone commuting into or out from the greater New River and Roanoke Valley regions, including Franklin, Craig, Alleghany, Pulaski, Giles, Floyd and Montgomery counties. All of RIDE Solutions’ carpool matching and other services are completely free. Register online at www.ridesolutions.org.
"Commuters’ needs can change from day-to-day," says Jeremy Holmes, Program Director, "and we want to make sure we’re there to help when they need it. We also recognize that some commuters are hesitant to try a new commute mode until they’re comfortable that it will work for them. That’s why we’re providing as much information as possible through services like Twitter, Craigslist, and Facebook which provide plenty of communication options to our customers."
Among the new services that RIDE Solutions now offers are:
- A Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/ridesolutions where new carpools are posted in real time. Commuters who want to carpool but aren’t ready to register can follow RIDE Solutions on Twitter until they see a ride that matches their schedule.
- Ride announcements on the Blacksburg and Roanoke Craigslist rideshare boards, as well as on the RIDE Solutions Facebook Group, http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=4990912430
- The NewVA Moves wiki, http://newvamoves.wikispaces.com/, a new and open resource for anyone interested in sustainable transportation in the region.
- An interactive map of existing RIDE Solutions commuters so potential members can see where they can find potential matches at ridesolutions.org/carpool/commutermap.shtml
These efforts join the RIDE Solutions YouTube channel, MySpace page, and the NewVA Moves blog in a growing menu of interactive tools and multimedia RIDE Solutions is using to promote its services.
RIDE Solutions serves everyone commuting into or out from the greater New River and Roanoke Valley regions, including Franklin, Craig, Alleghany, Pulaski, Giles, Floyd and Montgomery counties. All of RIDE Solutions’ carpool matching and other services are completely free. Register online at www.ridesolutions.org.
