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At this point in 2021, the shrinking workforce in the Central Adirondack Region and across the nation has been well documented. While its causes are due to the intersection of numerous factors, most out of the control of local efforts, some new ideas have been put forth to alleviate that pressure. One of the most sensible interventions growing in support is the need for a public transportation system that would make it easier to hire help outside on the Adirondack Park. Promising a much cheaper cost to entry than more long term solutions, and a quicker implementation, a shuttle could be helpful to local businesses as early as summer 2023 if the stars align.
The notion is simple, that White Lake, Otter Lake, Webb, Inlet, Raquette Lake and all the communities along the Route 28 have jobs to fill. Workers in Port Lydon, Rome, Boonville and other surrounding areas have workers willing to travel to these positions. The problem is any barrier that would prevent this commute. Something as simple as that these workers may not want to physically drive 45 minutes one-way to their workplace could shrink the pool of potential candidates. What if a potential employee has a car that is unreliable? Only has one car and has a partner that is also working? A high cost of gas, or the thought of driving icy roads may be enough to stop a workforce from coming to fill these positions.
If a bus or shuttle had a regular route or routes along 28, this may go a long way in bringing workers to the area. Enchanted Forest has done it for their employees in the summertime for many years, other local businesses might benefit from a similar privately run model. In order to find demand for such a program, LivingADK have teamed up with Britta Hennessy, business owner of Great Pines Inn and member of the LivingADK board to do some qualitative research into the effectiveness just such a program. Mainly, this is to understand the demand of local businesses. Does a bus route need to run more than once a day to help a business? How early could a return trip be before it no longer is helpful to certain businesses. Is there a need year round, or is this something that only needs to run in the summer season? Weekends only or all week? Would an employer be willing to pay for this service on behalf of their employee to increase their candidate pool? How much is a business owner willing to pay for a service such as this?
The goal of this data collection is to understand the demand locally for a service, the potential economic impact, and whether the profit motive is strong enough to pursue a private bus route, or if this is a bigger undertaking that should involve outside moneys such as county or state funds.
Although all solutions discussed will be imperfect LivingAKD has an eye towards focusing on what can be accomplished most efficiently. There is a lot to be learned when we are willing to ask questions. Businesses will be contacted in the upcoming months to discuss the program. Want to give us your feedback on the proposed idea sooner than later? Please email dkieferbach@livingadk.org. We would love to get your feedback
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