I-way Blog

by David Doran, District 5 Mobility Manager  Read more...

A Blog by Vanessa Fry, CTAI District 4 Mobility Manager Read more...

Since starting as the District 3 Mobility Manager 3 months ago, I view transportation-related things a little differently. I now notice half empty buses that drive by, commuter vans that sit empty until riders return from a long days work, and senior vans that sit idle in their parking lots without moving from the parking spot for over a week. I take note of every provider vehicle on the street and make a mental note "there's one more vehicle to utilize" or "I wonder what service that vehicle provides?" I've seen multiple vehicles with many empty seats. Empty seats that I know, with a little innovation and coordination, can be filled with passengers who need a ride from point A to B.  Read more...

I’m a mobility manager! It’s my job to promote vanpools, car pools, buses, trails, biking, etc. It’s my job to coordinate and better utilize existing resources and systems. It’s my job to move people and connect Idahoans. And, do it without single occupancy vehicles. To quote the TV pitchmen: “But wait - there’s more.” I live about 7 miles outside of Sandpoint. I drive my gas guzzling truck to work. My office is on the edge of the city. It is just a little over a mile from downtown and all the lunch spots. For the last year, I would drive that mile to lunch. And, I’m a mobility manager! Every morning, in the garage, I would pass this like new 12 year old bicycle which is next to the like new 10 year old golf clubs. Late last summer it occurred to me. I’m not practicing what I preach. So, the bike moved from the garage to my office where it was used at lunch time and for other meetings in Sandpoint. Winter is here so the bike is back at its off season job of keeping dust from settling on the garage floor. But, I am left with some nagging questions. Read more...

Recently, I had the opportunity to tag along with the Neighborhood All-Stars camera crew while they filmed a video about mobility options available throughout Idaho. The first leg of our trip was an overnight stop in Twin Falls; in the morning we were up at 5:00 a.m. and headed to Shoshone, Idaho where we interviewed vanpool riders that rode the van from Shoshone to Hailey and Ketchum.  Read more...

On Wednesday, September 8, US Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood urged parents and students to be safety conscious and consider greener alternatives for getting to and from school. The press release discusses the value and importance of programs such as Safe Routes to School and First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move challenge. Read more...