MOUNTAIN VIEW — A non-profit in Mountain View is testing a plan to ease traffic in the city while also providing commuters with an affordable way to get around.
Commuters can get rides for $2 for the rest of the year through a partnership between Waze Carpool and the Mountain View Transportation Management Association.
The six-month pilot program is an extension of the MVgo free shuttle program, “which provides commuters with a last mile connection from the Mountain View Caltrain station to various locations throughout the city,” according Roni Hattrup, the group’s executive director.
Commuters can sign up through a link on the Waze website for the cheap rides through the end of 2019, regardless of how far they're traveling.
The program is similar to how most ride-hailing apps work, but is aimed at drivers who are already traveling on certain routes rather than professionals. The service pairs riders and drivers who are going in the same direction and allows users to filter for certain criteria. Users can also schedule rides in advance.
“Rush hour traffic is a big issue for many who work and live in Mountain View,” says MTMA board chair Janice Yuen. “MVgo is committed to diversifying its transit offerings so that everyone can conveniently and affordably commute to and from their jobs.”
Officials say the program could ease traffic by consolidating drivers and riders who are already on the road into fewer cars.