Catch a Ride program surpasses 8,000 rides

COUNTY — Waupaca County Catch a Ride, the county’s flexible public transit program serving residents throughout the county, has officially surpassed 8,000 completed rides, marking a significant milestone in the program’s mission to expand transportation access and connect residents to opportunity.
Since launching on January 5, Waupaca County Catch a Ride has completed 8,466 rides for 533 unique riders, averaging nearly 1,700 rides per month.
Among all trips completed through the program, work-related transportation accounts for 68.5% of rides, followed by medical appointments at 11.7% and grocery trips at 6.3%. These numbers highlight how reliable transportation serves as a foundation for economic stability, health outcomes, and independence for residents across the county.
“For many people, transportation is more than just getting from one place to another, it’s the connection to work, healthcare, groceries, and community,” said Valerie Lefler, Founder and Executive Director of the Catch a Ride Network. “Reaching more than 8,000 rides demonstrates both the need for flexible transportation options in rural communities and the impact that innovative mobility solutions can have on people’s daily lives.”
“Seeing and feeling the positive effects a transportation service like this has on our community and our employers is very rewarding. Very excited to see it grow,” said Ryan Brown, Director for the Waupaca County Planning & Zoning Department.
The program is made possible through funding from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, demonstrating how community partnerships can strengthen local transportation infrastructure and improve access to essential services.