“We have launched a new survey to enhance our understanding of what the community needs in terms of transportation support, and what programs could help improve their quality of life and the economic health of the region as a result,” said Lewie Lawrence, Executive Director of the Commission. “The data and information we collect will also help us grow our MidPenRideShare program and bring more commuting – driving, telecommuting and more – options to the region.”
The short, five-minute survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/MidPenCommute or through the program’s website at www.midpenrideshare.org/. After completing the survey, participants have the option to be entered into a drawing for an Amazon gift card.
Officially named Middle Peninsula Rideshare Commuter Services, the MidPenRideShare program is provided by the Commission's Transportation Demand Management Program in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. It is the longest running grant-funded program in operation by the Commission and helps drivers save time and money and reduce pollution and congestion, by connecting them with carpool or vanpool operations.
“MidPenRideShare assists people who are seeking transportation alternatives to commuting within the Middle Peninsula area and to employment locations in the greater Richmond, Hampton Roads, Williamsburg and Northern VA and D.C. areas.,” said Beth Johnson, who administers the program for the Middle Peninsula. “The platform first and foremost connects Middle Peninsula drivers in real-time to a larger database that includes commuters in Richmond, Hampton Roads and beyond.”
In addition to offering ridesharing solutions, MidPenRideShare also offers a Guaranteed Ride Home Program – which ensures carpoolers never get left behind, as well provides helpful information to commuters who are in need of alternative transportation.
“We encourage people to not drive alone by providing them some options,” Johnson said. “Many people don’t realize they have options to telework, carpool or rideshare from the Middle Peninsula to Richmond or Hampton Roads. Here on the Middle Peninsula we don't have congestion or air quality concerns. But what we do have is this large group of people commuting out of the region.”
Earlier this summer, the MidPenRideShare program got a significant upgrade.
“The launch of the new statewide database this year gives us the opportunity to better match commuters and also help commuters earn points for tracking their greener trips, which can be redeemed for rewards, such as discounts at select retailers, restaurants, attractions and more," Johnson said. “The new web-based registration program, combined with the data and feedback we anticipate getting through the survey, will be valuable in creating strong programs for the region.”
After the no-cost registration on the site – http://www.midpenrideshare.org/ – members are encouraged to download the app and log each time they telecommute from home, use a bike share service, take mass transit or carpool or vanpool with others.
For more information about MidPenRideShare contact Beth Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 804-758-2311.
ABOUT THE MIDDLE PENINSULA PLANNING DISTRICT COMMISSION
The Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission (MPPDC) is one of 21 planning commissions in Virginia charged with promoting the orderly and efficient development of the physical, social and economic elements of the district by planning, and encouraging and assisting localities to plan, for the future.
The MPPDC is comprised of the six counties (Essex, Gloucester, King and Queen, King William, Mathews, and Middlesex) and three towns (Tappahannock, Urbanna, and West Point) on the Middle Peninsula.
Commissioners are appointed by each locality and consist of two elected and one citizen member for each county and one elected member for each town. Three county administrators and one town manager serve on the Commission on a rotating basis. The Executive Director/Secretary, selected by the Commission, manages the daily operations of the planning district's professional staff.
MPPDC is funded by annual contributions from its member local governments, by appropriations from the Virginia General Assembly, and by grants from state and federal governments and other entities.
MPPDC prepares an annual work program and budget each year determined by the needs and priorities of the region and available funding opportunities.
For more information about the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, contact Lewie Lawrence at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 804-758-2311.