Lots empty during first day of ride share program

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Leland commuters did not take advantage of the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization's new Park & Ride lots to carpool to work.

Today was the first day for the ride sharing program, but when we visited the lots this morning, they were all empty.

Last week the Wilmington MPO annouced plans for three commuter lots in Leland located at Brunswick Forest in front of Lowe's Food, Food Lion on Mt. Misery Road near US 74/76, and at the new Leland Town Hall.

Councilwoman Pat Batleman posted to the Leland NC Traffic Reports Facebook page January 2 explaining the intentions and vision of the program. "There is no cost involved other than sharing in the gas with your co-riders and whatever parking fee there may be; carpoolers alternate drivers. We are going to work on the bus service next, but for now — this is for those who wish to form or join carpools or vanpools. We are also still working on the emergency ride home program and hope to have that process ironed out soon. This is something new for many commuters, so we hope you will 'go with the flow' as everyone gets the hang of it," she wrote.

To join the rideshare program, visit www.sharetheridenc.org to register and set up a profile.