The Detroit Bus Company 'WeRide' program aims to revitalize and renew Detroit's current transit system, which has been leaving many unfortunate commuters in the cold -- literally. As the organization states on its site, some riders have been forced to wait up to three hours for a bus (that sometimes does not come at all) and other routes have been cut from the system entirely, leaving many without a way to get to work.
The WeRide program is modeled after TOMS Shoes buy-one-give-one model. Every time a person buys a ticket on a regular route, a bus tour or a private rental, the WeRide program will donate one bus ticket to a citizen of Detroit, which will contribute to the overhaul of the city's transit system and help those in need. According to its website, the Detroit Bus Company WeRide project will also include handing out free coffee and donuts each morning to every rider, and picking them up and dropping them off at their homes, with the aim of bringing "a sense of pride back to the weekday warrior."
Contact Information
The Detroit Bus Company website
The Detroit Bus Company on Facebook
The Detroit Bus Company on Twitter
One-for-One Bus Rides
Detroit Bus Company 'WeRide' Program Aims to Improve City Transit
Trend Themes
1. One-for-one Transit - Creating a model similar to the TOMS Shoes one-for-one, businesses can offer a free ride to someone in need for every paid ride, thus helping in renewing the existing transit system.
2. Socially Responsible Transit - Businesses can create transit programs that offer more than just transportation, but also give back to the community through donations and other incentives.
3. Enhanced Commuting Experience - Businesses can provide extra perks such as free coffee/donuts or door-to-door pick up and drop off to riders, which can create a better sense of pride and encourage continued use of public transportation.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The transportation industry can invest in socially responsible initiatives and adopt models similar to one-for-one that can help fix and improve the existing transit system.
2. Coffee Shops - Coffee shops can collaborate with transit companies to provide free coffee/donuts to riders or offer discounts to regular transit users, which can create a mutually beneficial relationship.
3. Tourism - Tourism industry players can develop packages that not only provide sightseeing opportunities but also contribute to the socio-economic growth of the local communities and the environment by adopting socially responsible initiatives.