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Whether you’ve got a big budget or are working on a shoestring, there are plenty of ways to make sure your rideshare program gets noticed, including:
- Rideshare Fair. A fair is your chance to lure commuters in with food, fun and often music and entertainment. It can be a big “to do” or as simple as vendor tables where employees can pick up brochures on transit services, carpool/vanpool matching, incentives or giveaways. Get tips on how to run a fair with our rideshare fair checklist.
- New Hire Orientation. Don’t miss this important opportunity to reach employees before they’ve had a chance to settle into the drive-alone habit. Include rideshare information in their welcome packet, prepare a matchlist for them and/or make the rideshare office part of the introductory tour.
- Bulletin Board. Post rideshare flyers, posters, newsletters, rideshare awards and other program information on a bulletin board—preferably in a high-traffic area like the break room. Make sure you update it at least once a month...and get creative! (Articles from CommuteSmart News can help keep your bulletin board brimming with the latest news.)
- Posters, Flyers, Etc. Transit providers and organizers of campaigns like Rideshare Week and Bike to Work Week are eager to provide you with free promotional materials to post or distribute. Or download clip art and create your own!
- Contests/Events. From raffles to ice cream socials to “meet your match” parties, contests and events are a great way to open employees’ eyes to what your rideshare program has to offer. You can get contest ideas is from other ETCs at a local network meeting. We also offer a tip sheet on how you can get free prizes to give away at your event.
- Management/CEO Support. A letter or announcement from your CEO can work wonders to underscore the importance of your rideshare program.
- The Personal Touch. Don’t underestimate the power of one-on-one communication. A phone call...an email...just stopping by to check on an employee can often pack as much power as a dozen brochures.
- Testimonials. Why do all the talking yourself? Nothing sells ridesharing like a satisfied customer. Give your ridesharers the chance to talk at staff meetings. Run profiles in your newsletter. Post testimonials on the bulletin board. And consider presenting awards to people who “go the extra mile” to spread the rideshare word.
- Newsletter. Newsletters are great for selling your rideshare program on a regular basis. Whether it’s monthly or quarterly... sent out via email, photocopied or printed... a newsletter gives you a chance to let employees know what’s new in ridesharing. CommuteSmart News gives you news you can forward to employees or post on your bulletin board every month.
- E-communication. Set up a rideshare web site and/or send regular reminders via email with program news and updates.
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