WAUPACA COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Unstable transportation is one of the biggest issues for employee retention in rural Wisconsin.
In an effort to change that, a new program serving Waupaca and Outagamie counties will provide round-the-clock services to arrange a ride to work.
Tyson Foods is located in a rural area. It recently stressed the challenge of keeping employees due to lack of transportation.
The company estimates a 19% turnover rate due to ride challenges.
“We know, especially in this area here, that there are more individuals who want to work than have access to a vehicle or ride,” said Department of Workforce Development Secretary-Designee Amy Pechacek.
Pechacek says public transportation in rural Wisconsin is not as strong as urban areas.
“There’s not access to as many public busing or Ubers, or other types of ride share programs.”
The new Micro-Transit Service will change that.
It will consist of five vehicles. One is an accessible minivan that will be available 24/7 or as defined by employer schedules. It will also include cab services.
Riders can either call or schedule a ride through an app.
WEDC Secretary and CEO, Missy Hughes, says the program will be available for a few businesses to start.
“So far I’ve heard Tyson, Hillshire, Waupaca Foundry. I’m sure as other businesses hear about the opportunity, they’re going to want to participate.”
She adds that the program will stretch to multiple locations, like Waupaca, New London and Clintonville.
“It’s really hard here in rural Wisconsin where there’s significant distances to cover. So, this project is really going to help to try and solve that challenge.”
The percentage of households with fewer vehicles than workers in the area ranges from 7.9% to 13.1%.
Tyson says it costs them $8,000 when they lose a team member. One-third of new hires at the company were fired due to transportation issues.
Pechacek says the new program will hopefully make that number go down.
“This is really going to put a network of opportunities of vanpooling, for volunteer drivers and for paid service to pick up individuals who need to get a ride to work,” said Pechacek.
The program will launch by Dec. 12 this year.
