Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association

Commute2Careers with 

Mid-State Technical College!

In August 2022, WATEA launched a new Commute2Careers shuttle service in partnership with Mid-State Technical College using funding from Mid-State's Workforce Innovation Grant. The C2C service provides FREE rides between Mid-State campuses in Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Marshfield and Adams to enable students with transportation barriers to access classes in other areas. For more information or to sign up for rides, visit www.mstc.edu/shuttle. 

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The Marathon County-based C2C shuttle program is currently being updated. Interested parties can contact the WATEA office for more information.

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***IMPORTANT NOTE***

The below information is from the original C2C shuttle program (2019-21) and is for historical reference ONLY. This program is NOT currently in effect; the only active C2C program at this time is the Mid-State Technical College partnership. 

Commute2Careers Program Information (2019-2021)

Commute2Careers (C2C) is a regional employment shuttle available to new employees who lack reliable transportation when starting a job. The program will provide up to 12 weeks of rides to and/or from the workplace for just $5/trip.

This program was created by the Wisconsin Automotive & Truck Education Association (WATEA) to provide a new transportation solution to individuals living in central and northern Wisconsin who are prevented from accepting a new job due to transportation barriers. Its target audience is low-income individuals who have been offered a “living wage” position that will enable them to get and/or remain out of poverty. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is providing Fast Forward grant funding to support the program through June 2021, at which time the program aims to become self-sustaining.

Who can use C2C?

New employees in the Wausau metro, Merrill, and Antigo areas who need transportation to accept a job or attend certain workforce trainings may qualify. Priority will be given to:

• Employees working for an official C2C business partner, including Crystal Finishing.
• Participants of official C2C workforce partner programs, including the Joseph Project and programs through the Department of Workforce Development, the Department of Corrections, and the North Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board; check with your program coordinator for details.
• Employees accepting jobs where they will earn a “living wage” as defined by the NCW Workforce Dev. Board

How does C2C works?

Riders are transported in a 15-passenger shuttle van between their home and workplace at times scheduled by the program and confirmed by the rider. Pick-up and drop-off times will be scheduled as close as possible to the riders’ shift start/end times but may be adjusted each week to accommodate the needs of all the riders.

How Long Can C2C Be Used?

Riders can use the shuttle for up to 12 weeks. During this time, they will be encouraged to develop a permanent transportation solution that can sustain their employment long-term.

How Much Does C2C Cost?

It costs $5 per trip; riders who reserve 2 trips daily for 5 days get a discounted rate of $40/week. Independent riders must pay for the entire week prior to receiving their first ride each week. Riders working with C2C partners may have other payment options.

How Do You Sign Up for C2C?

Riders working with C2C partners: Have your HR or workforce program rep contact C2C via email or phone to confirm available seats and begin the process

All other prospective riders: Call WATEA/C2C at (715) 581-9284 to find out if seats are available and how to get started.