Employer Transportation Resources

Transportation Is a Workforce Investment

Transportation is no longer a “nice to have.” Like health insurance and childcare, it is a strategic workforce investment—one that pays off through improved attendance, reduced turnover, and a more reliable, stable workforce.

Investments that help workers reach jobs consistently contribute to higher retention and stronger connections between employees and employers.

  • Lower turnover and hiring costs
  • Improved attendance and productivity
  • A wider, more inclusive hiring pool

The Bottom Line

The problem is pervasive—24% of employees say transportation is an employment barrier. The numbers tell the story:

  • 19.8% of workers report being late or missing work due to transportation issues
  • 24.6% higher turnover among workers without reliable transportation
  • It costs an average of $1,665 per employee in annual employer costs tied to transportation-related absenteeism and turnover
  • Replacing an employee costs 50–200% of their annual salary 

Practical Solutions for Today’s Workforce

Transportation solutions increase productivity and employee engagement, strengthen equity and economic mobility, widen the available talent pool, and more. Resources are available in West Michigan.

Reliable Rides Playbook

The Reliable Rides Playbook is a Michigan state initiative providing a free, step-by-step guide for employers to address worker transportation barriers. It offers proven models like vanpools, carpools, and microtransit to improve employee retention and attendance. 
 

The playbook is designed to help you quickly identify the right transportation solution for your workforce and implement your own Reliable Rides program.

Wheels to Work

Hope Network’s Wheels to Work  is a West Michigan transportation program providing reliable, affordable, door-to-door, or centralized, shared-ride services to help employees, particularly those on second/third shifts or in underserved areas, reach jobs. It operates 24/7 in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Ionia, Montcalm, and Barry counties to eliminate transport barriers to employment. 

West Michigan Transportation Resources

  • 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 SMART Bus 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.

  • Pioneer Resources Transportation along the lake shore offers transportation through the Job Access Reverse Commute (JARC) program. 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.
  • A guide from the City of Grand Rapids for commuters on how to get around the city.

Build a Stronger Workforce with Our Employer Childcare Toolkit

Designed for employers, this toolkit provides actionable guidance to improve access to child care and boost employee retention.