The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced it will launch a new Workforce Development Pilot program in partnership with rabbittransit, Chester County Transportation Management Association (TMACC), and Urban Outfitters on Feb. 8.
The pilot program is designed to connect job seekers with employment opportunities that were previously unreachable due to a lack of public transportation services.
“Transit is about connecting people with their communities and to jobs,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Through this pilot, we aim to expand transit in support of economic growth at the local level, and we’re proud to help facilitate this important partnership.”
As part of the program, rabbittransit will partner with the Adams County Community Foundation to provide transit service in the Gettysburg area. TMACC will provide public transportation between Coatesville and Gap to give workers direct access to Urban Outfitters’ distribution center.
Participating employers will pay for a portion of the public transportation costs and organize their shift schedules to maximize the number of riders that can use the service. Additionally, data from the pilot program will be collected for two years to determine local transportation needs and future feasibility.
“This is an excellent example of how the public and private sectors can work together to bring job opportunities to more residents and families,” said State Senator Carolyn Comitta.”I want to thank PennDOT, TMACC, and Urban Outfitters for launching this pilot program and assisting residents of Coatesville and the surrounding region in overcoming obstacles to employment and accessing the promise of job and career advancement. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this important program and partnership.”