The Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved a $100,000 transportation services incentive at its quarterly meeting on December 9, 2020. Originally a recommendation from the Workforce Transportation Taskforce, the purpose of this incentive is to aid employers in the creation of added workforce transportation options.

“The transportation needs of our workforce are definitely diverse,” said Molly Howey, president of GO Topeka, an organization with the Greater Topeka Partnership. “More and more we’re seeing the need for alternative commuting options, employee shuttles and more.”

Howey continues, “With this incentive JEDO, will be able to provide a 100 percent match in funding starting at just $1,000. Because funding is matched, employers that choose to participate will be able to stand up a resource quickly, ensuring that no gap in coverage need occur.”

"The Transportation Services Incentive recognizes the need in our community to help bridge the gap that many face in having reliable transportation to work This incentive builds upon the prior NETO and SOTO programs and expands the opportunity for transportation assistance to a wider range of employers and number of employees,” said Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook.

“This is just another great example of the importance Topeka and Shawnee County are placing on nurturing its workforce,” said Councilman Tony Emerson, City of Topeka, District 4.  

“We know that there may be barriers to employment for residents in the community, and this gives more residents the opportunity to obtain well-paying jobs that are available by minimizing transportation as one of those barriers,” said Councilman Michael Padilla, City of Topeka, District  5.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

This is a transportation incentive designated for workforce transportation (to and from an employer) outside regular working hours and/or the geographic service area of the Topeka Metro. If you are an employer, service provider or entrepreneurial organization that would like to know more about transportation services incentives, please contact Barbara Stapleton at Barbara.Stapleton@TopekaPartnership.com.

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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bob Ross at 785.234.2644 or Bob.Ross@TopekaPartnership.com.