HomeMy WebLinkAbout5A1 Budget Request (Commuters Trust Funding) - SignedRedevelopment Commission Agenda Item
DATE: December 12, 2024
FROM: Denise Linn Riedl, CIO
SUBJECT: Commuters Trust Funding
Funding Source* (circle one) River West; River East; South Side; Douglas Road; West Washington; RDC General
*Funds are subject to the City Controller's determination of availability; if funds are unavailable, as solely determined by the City Controller,
then the authorization of the expenditure of such funds shall be void and of no effect.
Purpose of Request:
Innovation & Technology staff requests the Redevelopment Commission's approval of $200,000 to
support the Commuters Trust program that promotes transportation equity in South Bend.
Specifically, funds will go towards covering transportation costs incurred by participants who use
the Ride Guarantee program to travel to and from work.
Commuters Trust was launched in 2019 with funds from the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayor’s
Challenge to help individuals overcome transportation barriers. In partnership with local employers
and nonprofits, the program provides subsidized transportation options (Uber, Lyft and Transpo) to
residents living in and around South Bend. In 2024, the program started transitioning from being a
philanthropic pilot to public-private partnership that is run by and funded by the City.
Since launching in 2019, Commuters Trust has partnered with 18 local employers, providing over
500 employees with rides to and from work. This has resulted in roughly 35,000+ Uber and Lyft
Rides and 135,000+ Transpo rides.
Primarily, this funding will be used to subsidize the cost of transportation to the employer and
program participants, sharing up to 67% of total transportation costs. Any remaining funds will be
used for legal and accounting support, printing supplies, advertisement, IT support, technical
software, and survey distribution.
Please do not hesitate to contact Driedl@southbendin.gov for any additional information.
_________________________Pres/V-Pres
ATTEST: __________________Secretary
Date: ____________________
APPROVED Not Approved
SOUTH BEND REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
12-12-2024