The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will be launching a pilot incentive grant program to support employers in addressing workforce transportation challenges. This initiative encourages employers to utilize the Reliable Rides playbook to develop and implement actionable transportation models that improve employee retention, productivity and access to work. LEO anticipates awarding at least 13 competitive grants, with a total of $260,000 in available funding, through this pilot program.
Information about this Request for Proposals opportunity and applicant requirements will be available on this webpage when the application period begins January 5, 2026. The application deadline will be Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. EST.
Picture this — you’ve hired someone reliable, capable, and ready to work — and then they miss shifts, disappear in the first few weeks, or don’t show up. Sound familiar? Transportation barriers are often the hidden cause.
But savvy employers are changing how they approach the problem — enhancing their bottom line while they do it:
If you’ve ever lost a good worker because they couldn’t keep a reliable ride, you’re not alone. Employers of every size are facing the same challenge.
The difference? Some are taking small, smart steps to make transportation part of their retention strategy — and they’re saving money while widening their hiring pool, saving on hiring and training costs, and realizing higher uptime as a result.
Link support to attendance, retention and hiring needs.
Example: Funding an employee car repair saved Witzenmann USA thousands in turnover costs.
Daily, on-time service is non-negotiable.
Example: Hope Network reports 98% on-time arrivals.
Safe, stigma-free access increases use.
Example: Greenleaf uses third-party coaches; Henry Ford uses anonymous survey QR codes.
Coordinate with transit, nonprofits, and workforce boards to stretch funding.
Example: Henry Ford co-funds with Michigan Works to support 50K+ employees.
Promote across multiple channels and touchpoints.
Example: TVs, breakroom posters, newsletters, supervisor scripts.
The good news is you don’t have to start from scratch. These approaches are already being tested by Michigan employers, backed by state workforce leaders, and supported by nonprofit partners.
By joining in, you’re not just fixing a local problem — you’re part of a larger movement to make Michigan’s workforce stronger and more resilient.
Transportation isn’t just a logistical hurdle — it’s often a deciding factor in whether someone shows up, stays or even applies.
More employers are moving beyond one-off fixes, and the most successful strategies share a few key principles:
You don’t need a full-scale program to make a real impact. Here’s how many employers are getting started:
If you would like to help promote the Reliable Rides: Connecting Workers to Jobs playbook, please download the promotional toolkit for partners, a free resource that includes sample website content, talking points, email templates, customizable social media messages and graphics.
