WAUPACA, Wis. - s4story -- Waupaca County Catch a Ride (https://waupacacountycatcharide.org/), the county's flexible public transit program serving residents throughout Waupaca 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. The milestone reflects the growing need for accessible transportation solutions in rural communities and the critical role mobility plays in supporting employment, healthcare access, food security, and overall quality of life.

"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."

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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.

"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.

Transportation challenges often present unique obstacles in rural communities, where distances between destinations can be greater and traditional transit options may be limited. Waupaca County Catch a Ride was established, in partnership with Via – a mobility technology company that helps communities provide flexible, on-demand transportation service, to help address these barriers by providing affordable, flexible transportation options designed around community needs.

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"Surpassing 8,000 rides is a powerful demonstration of how flexible transportation can make a meaningful difference in people's daily lives," said Mike Vaccarino, Chief Revenue Officer at Via. "We're proud to partner with Waupaca County and Catch a Ride Network to expand access to jobs, healthcare, groceries, and other essential destinations. This milestone reflects the value of combining innovative technology with strong local partnerships to create transportation services that meet the unique needs of rural communities."

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.

Program Highlights

• 8,466 completed rides
• 533 unique riders served
• Program launched January 5
• Average of 1,694 rides per month
• Top trip purposes:
• Work: 68.5%
• Medical: 11.7%
• Grocery: 6.3%