Yakima Transit & Rainier Fruit Team Up To Offer A Commuting Alternative

Selah, WA – Marking yet another milestone in the company’s commitment to their employees and the environment, Rainier Fruit Company has made convenient commuting a reality for its workers. Beginning March 24, the Yakima Transit made Rainier Fruit an official stop throughout the day. This eliminates a walk of nearly one mile that was required from the previous bus stop as it now delivers employees directly to the main entrance of the company.  It also has a positive impact on the environment by reducing the number of cars on the road.

In a classic example of community collaboration, Yakima Transit and Rainier began working together earlier this year to plan for the route expansion. Yakima Transit approached the fruit company, one of the Yakima Valley’s largest employers, with the hopes that the expanded route would benefit both organizations.  

Mandy Bruce, Human Resources Manager at Rainier Fruit, says that while the project required a team discussion, the numerous benefits made its approval a no-brainer. A direct bus route offsets the company’s growing parking and traffic issues and also has a positive economic impact on employees. Workers who elect to utilize bus services will save money on gas, insurance, and vehicle maintenance. Rainier expects this environmentally friendly option will lessen the strain on single-vehicle households by providing another reliable mode of transportation, potentially reducing employee absenteeism.

Yakima Transit Field Operations Manager, Wayne Parsley, also expressed his optimism for the project and shared that the service has already seen positive results. With the upcoming cherry season fast approaching, both Yakima Transit and Rainier expect this new route addition to gain even more ridership while providing employees with an economical option for their commutes.

Source: Rainier Fruit Company