Wheels to Work® | Kent County, MI | Ride-to-Work Transportation Service

Specialized:

Unlike community transportation created with all individuals and destinations in mind, Wheels to Work is specifically made for workers who need transportation that goes right to their workplace.

Affordable:

The more riders on the bus makes for an affordable fare. Research shows the cost of replacing an employee is in the thousands, thus making Wheels to Work an extremely worthwhile investment for companies.

Customizable:

Wheels to Work serves as the single point of contact, driving the program. We can design a service to meet the needs of both employers and employees.

Frequently Asked Questions

As an employer how do I get Information?

We try to make this as easy as possible. Call 616-248-5184 and ask for Carl Oosterhouse. He will set you up! If you don’t remember his number, call any Hope Network main number and they will connect you to him. You can start a conversation via email at coosterhouse@hopenetwork.org.

How many riders do I need to start?

The short answer is one. You can start the program as soon as the paperwork is completed, and rider registrations have been submitted to Hope Network Transportation. Your employee will be scheduled for rides within 48 hours or less!

What areas do you cover?

We currently cover areas of Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Ionia, Montcalm, and Barry counties. We are open to conversations of developing routes anywhere in Michigan.

What shifts do you cover?

We cover all shifts. Some companies have a multitude of shifts. We currently serve companies with 28 shifts and more! We don’t need employees to adjust their shifts for us. We serve them.

How have companies informed their employees of this program?

Companies have posted this information on their intranets and on their websites, on video screens throughout their facilities, hung posters in breakrooms, and in newsletters. Companies have also worked with their placement agencies to share the program. Wheels to Work will also assist with employee surveys.

Other than having this info on our company web site, where else is it?

Employer’s names are posted on the Wheels to Work website: www.wheelstowork.com under “Participating Companies.” Should the employer design, we will include a link to your company and designated contact person.

Is there a contract or something we have to sign and get our lawyers involved in?

There isn't a contract. There is a service agreement between your company and Hope Network Transportation. This agreement states that your company is accepting the charges for the program and that you will payroll deduct the rider's portion.

How do we let you know who is going to participate?

Each rider completes a Rider Registration Form to be emailed to riderequest@hopenetwork.org or faxed to 616-243-1258. This form requires rider contact information, date of birth, emergency contact, pick-up address, correct shift start and end times, and the starting date of service.

What do you mean, "We designed the program to be one-stop shopping."?

One-stop shopping means that the company and the rider only have one place to contact for information or changes once they have completed the initial paperwork. For billing questions, call the Hope Network Customer Care Line at 616-243-0876 or email riderequest@hopenetwork.org.

Will riders always be picked up by a Hope Network Red Bus?

The quick answer is “Yes.” Riders may be picked up in one of our logoed red or white Wheels to Work buses. The size of the vehicle depends upon the number of riders on that route.

What do we do if someone is on vacation or out sick?

You have a couple of choices. You can call or email our Customer Care Center or you may require your employee to do it. Just remember that we will not bill you for those canceled rides, providing they have been done in a timely manner.

Do you have a Wheels to Work App?

Absolutely! Wheels to Work offers the Passenger Portal. This allows riders to register for rides, change their schedules of rides, cancel rides with notice, and also track the location of their ride within 20 minutes prior to pick-up.

As a rider, do I have to pay for this service?

What employees pay is up to the employer. All or part of the costs may be payroll-deducted by your employer with the employee’s agreement. This additional benefit is up to your company.

Are we charged for no-shows or cancels?

No-shows are costly for the program and the employer. There will be a charge for no-shows and late or same-day cancellations.

Are participating companies listed on the Wheels to Work website?

Not only are the participating companies listed but their websites and, in some cases, employment contact person is also listed. This assists anyone looking for a job can apply directly on their website and possibly get to work through Wheels to Work. This is a win-win for everyone!

How does an employer get started?

We enter into a simple agreement between the employer and Hope Network Transportation. This agreement states that the employer is accepting the charges for the program, the invoicing procedures, and the types of rides covered.