Case Study: Coalition for a Better Acre achieves reliable transportation and improved employee retention with QRyde

Providing reliable transportation for an innovative workforce program in Massachusetts

The Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA), a community development corporation serving Lowell and the Merrimack Valley, faced a major access barrier for its Supported Training Education Program (STEP): Lowell is 30 miles from Devens and public transit commutes could take over two hours one way, limiting employment opportunities for participants. CBA engaged QRyde, using QRyde’s portal and Community Based Transportation model for scheduling, invoicing and payment management with third‑party transportation providers.

QRyde implemented a coordinated shuttle and provider network, allowing CBA to book and manage rides and handle payment distribution; between February 2017 and April 2018 QRyde facilitated 1,123 rides. The QRyde solution shortened and stabilized commutes (daily shuttles between Lowell and Devens), improved employee retention, enabled longer work hours for participants, and added equity and sustainability to the STEP program.

Coalition for a Better Acre

Yun-Ju Choi

Executive Director