Coppell’s workforce transit program has around 15 participating businesses and operates every day of the week, Director of Community Development Mindi Hurley said during the Aug. 22 council meeting. The program, which expires Sept. 30, is a partnership between the city, Denton County Transportation Authority and ride-sharing service, Lyft.
The program had previously been given one-year extensions each of the past three years, Hurley said.
In a nutshell
Hurley said the city has spent about $108,000 since 2019 to keep the program running, despite some of the challenges launching ahead of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on estimates provided during the meeting, around 2,300 rides will be provided by the first and last mile connection service.
“We continue to do a push,” Hurley said. “When we started the program, it was right before COVID, so we didn’t have a lot of ability to promote the program. We have taken active measures since then to continue it.”
To use the program, a rider’s journey must start or end at one of the six participating metro stops near Coppell.
Eligible stops include:
- Trinity Metro TEXRail in Grapevine
- Dallas Area Rapid Transit bus stop at Regent Boulevard and Royal Lane
- DART bus stop at Saintsbury Street and Belt Line Road
- DART Belt Line Station
- DART Trinity Mills Station
- DCTA Hebron Station
Council Member Don Carroll signaled his support for the measure during the work session.
“This is a good incentive for our businesses,” Council Member Don Carroll said. “I love the fact that we continue to push for more businesses to take advantage of this or at least use it to encourage employees to come work here.”
Dig deeper
Hurley said the program has grown to include businesses from all over the city since 2019. It has also been a helpful tool in attracting workers from outside the city.
“We have heard from business that this has really helped them attract staff because they are able offer it as an [transportation] option,” Hurley said. “One of the things we’ve talked about is that a majority of the people who work on the west side don’t live in Coppell. This has opened up the field of applicants they can draw.”
Hurley said staff recommends a further one-year extension of the program until Sept. 30, 2024. Because the item was presented during a work session, action will take place at a future council meeting.
