Public transit is an essential service that is increasingly playing a role in economic competitiveness. It can increase accessibility throughout a region and serve as a resource for employers who require larger workforces. In response to the increasing need for more regional connectivity, the cities of Middletown and Monroe have partnered with Butler County RTA to create WorkLink. Area employers along I-75 found difficulty addressing high employee turnover in a tight job market. Lack or unreliable personal transportation is an emerging obstacle for many entry-level workers across the state, and can negatively impact an employer’s efforts to retain a trained workforce. WorkLink was created to specifically address this challenge experienced by county job centers.  

Beginning in 2020, the fixed-route WorkLink service will transition to BCRTA’s new BGo service, which offers curb-to-curb connections through real-time, in-app scheduling. BGo will pick-up and drop-off between the Dayton South Hub and the existing BGo service area. This change in service is an improvement to the initial fixed-route that only operated three times per day. It will give riders greater flexibility and help ensure that WorkLink continues to be responsive to changes in rider demand and meets the needs of area employees.

To learn more about WorkLink/BGo and other good ideas from Ohio, visit https://www.greaterohio.org/good-ideas-initiative

Image Source: Butler County Regional Transit Authority