FY 2021-2022 Year in Review!
Each month Yolo Commute sends a newsletter to its members with useful information about commuting and transportation. This month’s newsletter focuses on Yolo Commute’s accomplishments in FY 2021-22.
“Change” was the theme for the fiscal year 2021/22, which occurred on many levels both in society and for Yolo Commute! To start, we entered deeply entrenched in the covid pandemic but as summer approaches, society is opening. More people returned to work – in regular and hybrid work schedules – which means more commuting. An ominous cloud for single-occupant vehicle (SOV) commuters has been the price of gas, which averages nearly $6.26/gallon in Yolo County. Combined with strong inflation, commuters need to stretch their income with alternatives to driving.
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New Membership Fees
The Yolo Commute organization has seen considerable change, as well. In the fall, the Board of Directors approved increased membership fees for the first time in over a decade. This will provide a much-needed revenue boost. The Board also approved new Commercial & Residential Development membership categories to help new land developments mitigate their driving impacts. Also approved was a new Business Association membership category.
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Bigger Incentives!
Changes were also made to Yolo Commute’s incentive programs. This year, the Board increased incentive amounts from the flagship Rideshare Incentive Program (TRIP) approved a tiered incentive from $50 to $80, where commuters receive $30 for the first 10 trips, and a $50 bonus if they continue for another 10 trips. The purpose was to motivate commuters to commit to their new commute until it’s established in their everyday routing.
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New Director
As many of you know, Yolo Commute is managed via contract with Yolo County Transportation District (YCTD). In March 2022, YCTD hired Brian Abbanat, Senior Planner for Multi-Modal Projects, who is now Yolo Commute Director. Brian comes to YCTD from the City of Davis where he spent over 14 years in multi-modal transportation planning.
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Yolo Commute Awarded Funds for E-Bike Loan Program!
In May, the Yolo Solano Air Quality Management Districts (YSAQMD) Clean Air Funds program awarded Yolo Commute $11,000 to help purchase three electric-assist bicycles for an E-Bike Loan Program for our members. Yolo Commute members can try these bikes for commuting or for intra-work trips!
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Welcome Marta Wada as Board Member!
Marta Wada, Benefits Manager for Cache Creek Casino and Resort will be appointed as a Yolo Commute Board member at the next meeting on June 23, 2022. She will serve a three-year term and we’re glad to have Cache Creek representation back on the Board!
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Yolo Commute extends a big THANK YOU to
Board members Gabe Gandara (CalSTRS), Jennifer Donofrio (City of Davis), Claudine Schneider (Capitol Yards), Rosie Ledesma (City of Woodland), Ken Bradford (Ken’s Bike-Ski-Board), Marta Wada (Cache Creek Resort) and Jeff Bruchez (UC Davis): None of this is possible without support from the Board of Directors.
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Next month we’ll share what you can expect from Yolo Commute in 2022/23!
Remember to take advantage of your Yolo Commute membership! Members can enjoy:
- Rideshare Incentive Program: Up to $80 for taking bus, bicycle, walk, carpool, vanpool, or telecommute to work. The longer you commit, the more you earn.
- Emergency Ride Home Program: Free taxi, Uber/Lyft, or rental car in case of an emergency at home.
- Free Online Bicycle Safety Education Classes: Through Cycle Savvy!
- May is Bike Month: Up to $200 for a new bicycle or $100 for bicycle accessories
- E-Bike Loan Program: (Coming in FY 22/23!)
So go ahead and give it a try. Contact your Employer Liaison for more information about Yolo Commute’s benefits. Share with your colleagues at other Yolo County employers and encourage them to join!
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