In fact, he prefers not even to call it a vanpool. Instead, he refers to it as a commuter reservation service, a name he believes lacks the stigmas associated with the old generation of vanpools. Traditional vanpools, he notes, have been criticized by commuters as being too inflexible to meet their changing needs. Easy Street is a product and a service that is built to satisfy and appeal to the end user. Easy Street, which is in place in Connecticut and is presently being marketed in states across the country, has a network of van routes that criss-cross the state.
Commuters can make reservations for the routes and times that fit their schedule.
Reservations can be made or changed right up to departure time, as long as there is space available. And loaner vans are available for emergencies. When the employer shows interest it makes a huge difference. Direct marketing, including the advertising provided by The Commuters' Register and the brightly colored logos that cover the Easy Street vans, is also effective. Flexibility and savings will only be attractive to commuters after they know they will be on time, says Prowda.