We are transportation information clearing site that promotes the use of existing mass transportation options and provides a forum for casual usage ride share matches.
Our goals are: to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on the road, to reduce gas consumption, air pollution and traffic congestion by offering information access to affordable, convenient and flexible transportation options, and to increase public awareness of transportation options.
We are in need of: financial donations (we are a 501 C 3 non-profit agency and donations are tax-deductible), volunteers, grant writing help, networking help, letters of support from individuals and agencies on letterhead.
Being stuck in traffic congestion is frustrating, yet if you live in the Puget Sound area, you know being caught in traffic has become a recurring theme for more and more of us. The I-5 corridor has the fourth worst traffic congestion in the nation. The pollution from automobiles poses a serious environmental problem to the region. Forty percent of the region's air pollution is directly related to the use of automobiles [source: Seattle Metro]. Approximately 80% of the vehicles on the I-5 corridor are drive-alone, single occupant vehicles. Efforts to combat congestion and pollution need to focus on heightened use of existing mass transit and the promotion of higher occupant vehicle usage.
Transportation Connections (TC) is focusing on reducing traffic through the I-5 corridor connecting Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle. TC is an information clearing house that encourages usage of all existing transportation options. A one-stop shopping site for those looking for up-to-date information on various ground transportation options such as information on Greyhound, Amtrak, IT shuttle, Airport Shuttle, including time of departure, current fares, etc. TC also matches those who can offer with those who could use an occasional or one-time ride . This component focuses particularly on matching riders/rides for transportation intensive events such as: Bumbershoot, Puyallup Fair, Huskies games, events at the Tacoma Dome, etc. We also are providing a "rider board" area for riders and drivers to post their intended travel and needs throughout the US and Canada. Another component (under construction) will be local listings for school related car-pooling.
Ms. Lisa Brodorf, Attorney-at-Law
Ms. Anne Butler, Washington State Department of Ecology, Air Quality Division
Mr. David Catterson, The Energy Outreach Center, Transportation Programs Coordinator
Ms. Linda Graetz, RN, MSW, Mass Transit User
Mr. Michael Nelson, Owner, Seize the Data!, Software Consulting
Ms. Kathleen McKinney, WA State Department of Transportation Public Transportation Planner, Vice President
Mr. C. Michael Soper, The Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Transportation Connections Administrative Director
Contact Mr. Soper at:
505 Belmont Ave. E. #401
Seattle, WA 98102
ridesharing@lycos.com
(206) 860-8760
Tip of the hat to:
The Konsgaard-Goldman Foundation of Seattle
The Sustaining Fund of Thurston County
for their support.