When our 511NY Rideshare team member, Modou, heard that travel nurses were struggling to get from their hotels to work at Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, he sprang into action. He immediately reached out to our local partners at Circuit, a free on-demand electric shuttle service operating in New Rochelle, to find a way to get these heath care heroes to work safely and reliably.

Circuit was originally launched by the City of New Rochelle’s Industrial Development Agency in 2019 to increase mobility and connectivity in its downtown and they were uniquely positioned to help. Modou facilitated discussions between Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital, Circuit, and the City of New Rochelle to organize daily rides for the nurses who selflessly came to New York to help during the COVID-19 crisis.

“During these unprecedented times we are grateful for our service providers who rise to the challenge. This expanded partnership with Circuit, 511NY Rideshare and Montefiore New Rochelle will benefit both the medical staff and [the New Rochelle] community.”

- Charles B. Strome, New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency

Circuit shuttles began offering free rides to the nurses on Friday, April 24, operating with no more than two nurses at a time in order to maintain social distancing. Additionally, the hospital provided disinfectant and personal protective equipment (PPE) to help protect the drivers and nurses. The shuttles run from around 6:30am to 7:30pm, providing rides for nurses working both day and night shifts. Alex Esposito, cofounder of Circuit said, “it's undoubtedly a very difficult time but it's encouraging to see how numerous groups have come together so quickly to help those in need. We hope the program provides a small benefit to the brave workers.”

As the story of this new collaboration began to spread, another 511NY Rideshare team member, Samantha, saw an opportunity to provide some additional support to the effort. She reached out to Dianne and Jenny, a mother-daughter team of mask makers on Long Island, who were willing to donate homemade masks for the Circuit drivers as a way to say thanks. “Being able to make masks for Circuit Transportation Drivers through 511NY Rideshare reaching out to us is the very least we can do. It was a pleasure to be able to help,” they agreed.

The 511NY Rideshare team is dedicated to improving mobility in communities across the state, even more during these stressful times. We are proud of our staff who go above and beyond every day to help us meet this mission and we are thrilled that this effort is enabling our healthcare workers to continue to do the important work of saving lives.

To the travel nurses who voluntarily came to New York to help us in our time of need, to the Circuit drivers and mask makers who are helping them stay safe, our entire 511NY Rideshare team says: “Thank You!”

It has been a true honor to experience your humanity and selflessness.

511NY Rideshare is sponsored by the New York State Department of Transportation to provide transportation resources to individuals and employers throughout New York State. For inquiries, contact info@511NYRideshare or 718-886-1343.