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Catcheride network seeks $979,000 to expand veterans transportation and call‑center services
Summary
The Catcheride mobility network asked the committee for $979,000 to expand rides for veterans across multiple counties, fund a seven‑day call center, pay providers for rides and support case management that coordinates complex appointment schedules.
Rep. Schmaltz introduced a request for $979,000 to expand Phoenix Mobility Rising’s Catcheride network, a mobility coordination model intended to give veterans reliable transportation to medical and behavioral‑health appointments across multiple counties.
Valerie Leler, founder and CEO of the Catcheride Network, told the committee that last year the program helped roughly 2,000 veterans and that the requested funds would pay for rides through local transit agencies, taxi services, volunteer driver networks and for a seven‑day call center that assists veterans who do not use smartphone apps.
“We’re coordinating the resources that Michigan has already invested in the public transit agencies… so it’s not adding another vendor,” Leler said, describing a mobility‑wallet model that lets veterans draw on transportation funds when they need them. She also said the program serves about 50,000 veterans across the proposed service area when scaled and that the request would help expand services in Wayne, Jackson, Hillsdale, Lenawee and Kalamazoo counties.
Committee questions covered annual riders (about 2,000 last year), coverage counties, uniqueness of the model, funding composition and sustainability; Leler said the organization leverages philanthropy and seeks to integrate with Michigan Department of Transportation funding once the model is demonstrated.
