I-77 program offering free rides reaches milestone
In July, the company surpassed more than $100,000 in free rides on the I-77 Express lanes for participants in its groundbreaking I-77 Community Assistance and Rate Equity Solutions (CARES) Program – a venture that provides improved access to financial well-being, health care, education and additional opportunities.
'We believe this is one of the first programs of its type in the country,' says David Garcia, CEO of I-77 Mobility Partners. 'As a proud member of the Charlotte and Lake Norman region, we understand the peace-of-mind that reliable travel can offer all our neighbors as they travel to job interviews, doctor's visits and other important appointments.'
An Innovative Solution
I-77 Express is a public-private partnership between the North Carolina Department of Transportation and I-77 Mobility Partners that developed an innovative solution to a critical transportation corridor that was often plagued by congestion. After responding to a competitive state-led procurement process, I-77 Mobility Partners secured more than $500 million in private financing – money that did not come from taxpayers' pockets – allowing the NCDOT to make major improvements to 26 miles of I-77 roughly 20 years ahead of schedule.
Those improvements have decreased travel time for all drivers – not just those who chose to use the express lanes. For example, average weekday peak period speeds in the free general-purpose lanes have increased 30-40% since prior to construction in 2015 – and that's despite a 13% increase in traffic volume.
I-77 CARES
Piloted in partnership with the Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources in 2023, the I-77 CARES Program began by offering five free rides per month to any resident who received assistance through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Program.
As demand grew, I-77 Mobility Partners formally launched the program in 2024 by expanding its scope to residents in Iredell County and doubling the number of free trips each month to 10.
Notably, the company pays all costs associated with the program, including reimbursing the counties for the time it takes their employees to verify the applicants' information.
A Wonderful Program
'I rely on my father to take me to my medical and dental appointments,' wrote one participant in a recent poll of the program. 'So, the plan gets me to my appointments on time.'
Another wrote, 'I appreciate this program so much. It helps me get my grandson from daycare. I feel much more comfortable in the toll lanes away from all the traffic.'
And yet another wrote, 'Thank you so much for this wonderful program. We appreciate you so much.'
Additional Donations
In addition to the more than 17,000 free trips it has given away through the I-77 CARES program, I-77 Mobility Partners is on track to donate more than $750,000 to area schools and nonprofits. In particular, it is focused on promoting STEM education in Title One schools, reducing teen-driver accidents and eliminating food scarcity.
'I-77 Express has proven that managed lanes offer drivers the choice of reliable travel times while improving traffic flow and speeds in the free, general-purpose lanes,' says Rob Boisvert, Director of Corporate Affairs for I-77 Mobility Partners. 'Moving forward, we will continually search for ways in which we can further improve the surrounding community and the people we serve.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
American Press
a day ago
- American Press
Landry: State's successes the 'greatest story that has yet to be told'
The 20th annual Chamber Southwest Louisiana LegisGator Luncheon was hosted at L'Auberge Casino Resort on Friday. LegisGator is the largest legislative event in the state. Hosted each year to bring constituents, state and federal representatives together in the same room, the luncheon serves as an opportunity for lawmakers to update community members on state and federal actions directly. This year several state leaders attended the luncheon, including U.S Sens. Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy and Gov. Jeff Landry. This was not the first LegisGator for these government leaders, but it was for Chamber of Southwest Louisiana President Scott Walker. He opened the luncheon by speaking on how the region is 'on the cusp' of dynamic change. He stepped into the role of president about six months ago. In that time, he has recognized Southwest Louisiana as an adaptive region 'built on energy, industry and grit' that 'pulls together to get things done.' 'We are shaping and innovating the future of energy, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense,' he said. 'I see us creating opportunity here, right here in Southwest Louisiana. We can create opportunity here for companies, for workers, for families and for our communities.' For Landry, LegisGator was an 18-month check-in. More than a year into his term. Louisiana has been gradually moving up the ranks in surveys, with the state jumping up in nationwide rankings, he said. This is in addition to statewide increases in job opportunities, new business interests and an impending industrial boom, he said. Louisiana has reached a historic level of economic activity, Landry said. There is $70 billion in private investment planned throughout the state — from the $10 million AI data center being built in Richland Parish to the several carbon-capture projects that have been proposed in Louisiana. Among that growth, he called Southwest Louisiana one of the 'bright, shining spots' in Louisiana. With investments like the LNG Center of Excellence and the I-10-Calcasieu River Bridge Project, the region is keeping up with the state's momentum. These steps taken towards a more diversified economy are thanks to 'one of the most cohesive congressional delegations,' he said. One of those delegates is Cassidy, who is finishing his second term as a U.S. Senator. Working to better the state and country is his 'higher purpose,' he said. 'If I'm only living for myself, what's the worth of living? But if I'm waking up and thinking about how do I work and win for the people of Louisiana and the people of the United States of America, I got a spring in my step.' He spoke to a few of the feathers he has in his legislative cap. He worked to help secure the $11 billion Louisiana infrastructure that came with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which includes $150 million for the Calcasieu River Bridge and 'hundreds of millions of dollars' for flood mitigation and coastal restoration. Kennedy said he believes the state's future can be better than its past and present, but will take hard work and self-sufficiency. 'We're only as good as our dreams. We shouldn't fear our future when we ought to grab hold of it. I'm not going to bubble wrap. No one's coming to save us but ourselves, folks. And in Washington, D.C., the water is not going to clear up until you get the pigs out of the creek.' Louisiana's present is the 'greatest story that no one in this state is writing about,' Landry said. 'Over the past 18 months, we have actually been able to assemble that critical mass of people who want to put aside the selfish part of politics and are hell-bent on changing the state,' he said. 'We are no longer the laughingstock of the South. Louisiana, for once in a lifetime, is poised to take its place as a leader in a new industrial South. And if you don't believe me, just go look up Google.' He urged residents to get 'past the gaslighting that people like to do that divides us' and have 'faith in those that we have elected to change the state.' 'While we have waited, I want you to know, we don't wait anymore. Today, the world gets to see us as who we are. … As the people who get to share a culture of hard work and humility,' he said. 'And whether they write this story today, or not, today we are living in the greatest story that has yet to be told.'
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business Wire
FUTR Surpasses 1,000,000 Transactions and USD$380 Million in Payments Volume With FinWise Bank
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The FUTR Corporation (TSXV: FTRC) (OTCQB: FTRCF) ("FUTR" or the "Company"), a consumer-centric platform for data valuation and monetization is pleased to announce a major operational milestone, passing 1,000,000 transactions and USD$380 million in payment transaction volume using FinWise Bank's payment rails. The platform has processed more than $3 billion in payments for nearly 300,000 users through automated cash flow and loan management. Since March 2024, these transactions have leveraged FinWise Bank's payment services, including multiple cost-efficient payment rails. FUTR also maintains monthly deposits at FinWise from transiting payments as part of the overall relationship. As FUTR expands into new consumer markets and introduces the AI Agent App, it expects significant growth in transaction volume, processed dollars, and deposits on its banking partner platforms. With new partners and a deepening of the FinWise partnership, FUTR also anticipates greater payment automation. Leveraging FinWise's efficient and cost-effective platform, FUTR earns convenience fees on transactions and basis points on transiting deposits. 'This milestone demonstrates consumers' strong trust in FUTR to deliver real savings and convenience with our automated cash management platform coupled with smart payment rails,' said Mindy Bruns, Chief Business Officer at FUTR. 'A major part of this value is access to solid infrastructure from FinWise. We're preparing for substantial growth in users and features in the months ahead.' 'We appreciate that FUTR recognizes our vision and the value of our payments platforms,' stated Robert Keil, SVP and Chief Fintech Officer at FinWise Bank. 'We are pleased with the customer migration and see a lot of value in FUTR's consumer-focused services. This partnership with FUTR also gives FinWise the opportunity to generate lower-cost deposits.' About The FUTR Corporation FUTR's AI Agent App is focused on putting money back in consumer's wallets through a unique data monetization rewards system, personalized offers as well as agent-driven smart payment management. The FUTR AI Agent App will allow Enterprises to get rewarded for contributing consented Consumer data to the Agent and allow Brands to leverage this data to improve personalization and customer acquisition. About FinWise Bank Corp. FinWise provides Banking and Payments solutions to fintech brands. Its existing Strategic Program Lending business, conducted through scalable API-driven infrastructure, powers deposit, lending and payments programs for leading fintech brands. As part of Strategic Program Lending, FinWise also provides a Credit Enhanced Balance Sheet Program, which addresses the challenges that lending and card programs face diversifying their funding sources and managing capital efficiency. In addition, FinWise manages other Lending programs such as SBA 7(a), Owner Occupied Commercial Real Estate, and Leasing, which provide flexibility for disciplined balance sheet growth. The Company is also expanding and diversifying its business model by incorporating Payments (MoneyRails ™) and BIN Sponsorship offerings. Through its compliance oversight and risk management-first culture, the Company is well positioned to guide fintechs through a rigorous process to facilitate regulatory compliance. Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements (within the meaning of applicable securities laws) which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as 'believe', 'anticipate', 'project', 'expect', 'intend', 'plan', 'will', 'may', 'estimate' and other similar expressions. These statements are based on the Company's expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections and include, without limitation, statements regarding the future success of the Company's business. The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on certain assumptions. The forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Further, these forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Business Journals
2 days ago
- Business Journals
I-77 program offering free rides reaches milestone
I-77 Mobility Partners is celebrating another milestone in its ongoing efforts to improve regional mobility and enhance connections to essential services. In July, the company surpassed more than $100,000 in free rides on the I-77 Express lanes for participants in its groundbreaking I-77 Community Assistance and Rate Equity Solutions (CARES) Program – a venture that provides improved access to financial well-being, health care, education and additional opportunities. 'We believe this is one of the first programs of its type in the country,' says David Garcia, CEO of I-77 Mobility Partners. 'As a proud member of the Charlotte and Lake Norman region, we understand the peace-of-mind that reliable travel can offer all our neighbors as they travel to job interviews, doctor's visits and other important appointments.' An Innovative Solution I-77 Express is a public-private partnership between the North Carolina Department of Transportation and I-77 Mobility Partners that developed an innovative solution to a critical transportation corridor that was often plagued by congestion. After responding to a competitive state-led procurement process, I-77 Mobility Partners secured more than $500 million in private financing – money that did not come from taxpayers' pockets – allowing the NCDOT to make major improvements to 26 miles of I-77 roughly 20 years ahead of schedule. Those improvements have decreased travel time for all drivers – not just those who chose to use the express lanes. For example, average weekday peak period speeds in the free general-purpose lanes have increased 30-40% since prior to construction in 2015 – and that's despite a 13% increase in traffic volume. I-77 CARES Piloted in partnership with the Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources in 2023, the I-77 CARES Program began by offering five free rides per month to any resident who received assistance through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) Program. As demand grew, I-77 Mobility Partners formally launched the program in 2024 by expanding its scope to residents in Iredell County and doubling the number of free trips each month to 10. Notably, the company pays all costs associated with the program, including reimbursing the counties for the time it takes their employees to verify the applicants' information. A Wonderful Program 'I rely on my father to take me to my medical and dental appointments,' wrote one participant in a recent poll of the program. 'So, the plan gets me to my appointments on time.' Another wrote, 'I appreciate this program so much. It helps me get my grandson from daycare. I feel much more comfortable in the toll lanes away from all the traffic.' And yet another wrote, 'Thank you so much for this wonderful program. We appreciate you so much.' Additional Donations In addition to the more than 17,000 free trips it has given away through the I-77 CARES program, I-77 Mobility Partners is on track to donate more than $750,000 to area schools and nonprofits. In particular, it is focused on promoting STEM education in Title One schools, reducing teen-driver accidents and eliminating food scarcity. 'I-77 Express has proven that managed lanes offer drivers the choice of reliable travel times while improving traffic flow and speeds in the free, general-purpose lanes,' says Rob Boisvert, Director of Corporate Affairs for I-77 Mobility Partners. 'Moving forward, we will continually search for ways in which we can further improve the surrounding community and the people we serve.'
