Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement: Zachery & FlexRide Milwaukee
In Milwaukee, having a car often feels like the price of admission to steady employment. Many job opportunities are located in the suburbs, far from city bus routes and out of reach for those without reliable transportation. For people without a car or a valid driver's license, simply getting to work becomes a daily struggle, if not an impossible task.
That’s where MobiliSE’s FlexRide Milwaukee program, supported by United Way’s Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement initiative, steps in. This innovative, on-demand transportation service is designed for job seekers and workers who need help getting to and from work. It operates somewhere between a city bus and a rideshare, offering flexible rides that meet people where they are.
“The term for this kind of service is ‘micro transit,’” said Dave Steele, Executive Director of MobiliSE. “It’s a growing segment of the transit world throughout the United States, and thanks to FlexRide Milwaukee and our partners, we were at the forefront of this service popping up all over the United States.”
“I think I drive over 60 people roundtrip each day,” said Zachery, a driver with FlexRide. “In a week, it’s between 250-300 people.”
Zachery enjoys his job and talking with his passengers about their lives, ranging from casual pleasantries to what they love about the service. Many don’t know how they’d manage without this transportation option, since other forms of transit can quickly become costly.
“Being able to meet people and talk to them is great, but most importantly, what I love is talking to young men,” Zachery said. “They could be doing anything else, but they’re getting up, coming to work, and trying to make the best for themselves and their families. They’re using FlexRide to help them along their journey. It makes me feel do to do that.”
Your donation to United Way’s Reducing Barriers to Employment & Advancement initiative supports programs like FlexRide. More than just a ride, FlexRide is a lifeline helping people regain independence and earn a paycheck. Because United is the Way that we are building a better future for our community’s workforce.