Employer Transportation Toolkit

West Michigan Transportation Resources

Keeping Your Workforce Moving

Transportation is more than a commute issue — it’s a workforce issue. When employees lack reliable ways to get to work, businesses feel the impact through missed shifts, higher turnover, and increased hiring and training costs. Employers who recognize transportation as part of their retention and talent strategy can build a more dependable workforce, expand access to opportunity, and strengthen their bottom line.

Explore transportation resources for employers and employees across West Michigan below.

Transportation Resources in West Michigan

West Michigan Rides, formerly West Michigan Rideshare, is a free program by The Rapid that provides a resource for finding greener travel options like carpooling, vanpooling, transit, biking, and other options throughout Kent, Ottawa, and Allegan counties. Employers in West Michigan can also use this to set up their own rideshare program, making it easier to find and retain talent.

The Get A Job, Get A Ride! Program helps new employees save on their transportation costs. Participants hired within the past 30 days who are permanent, full time employees, that meet the eligibility requirements, can receive a complimentary 31 Day Pass ($66.00 value) to ride SMART’s Fixed Route service.

The first step to get started is for the employer to create a MySMART account. While logged into MySMART, you need to register the company into the Get A Job, Get a Ride program!

Pioneer Resources Transportation offers transportation through the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program in Muskegon, MI. This program helps provide affordable, reliable transportation to and from work for people in rural areas who may not have other options. Eligible riders include low-income workers, people with disabilities, and older adults, connecting them not only to employment but also to job training and related services. Employers can partner with Pioneer Resources to make sure their workforce has consistent, dependable transportation to and from the job site.

Getting around Grand Rapids is easier than ever. Mobile GR is dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable ways to move throughout the city. Whether you are walking, biking, riding transit, or driving, there are options that fit your needs. Explore your options for getting around Grand Rapids.