Let the electric shuttle buses roll on Mercer Island.

As the city of Mercer Island continuously searches for new and innovative solutions around sustainability, it linked up with southern California’s Swoop all-in-one transportation solutions and the Island’s biggest employer Riot Games to launch the month-long pilot program on April 1.

Swoop co-founder Peter Evenson previously helped lead global business development at Microsoft, so he knows the local terrain and has friends who were born and raised on the Island. Things further fell into place when Riot Games opened up an office in these parts. Swoop representatives later connected with Rioters at the Association for Commuter Transportation Conference and asked if the company wanted to be a partner in the program.

“It’s a combination of all three parties with a centralized vision of combining sustainability with 100% electric vehicles, as well as helping employees and city employees get to and from where they need to be,” said Evenson, whose company noted that the first-of-its-kind pilot is focused on reducing emissions, improving commutes and supporting Earth Day goals.

The electric shuttles were a big draw for the city’s sustainability program manager Alanna DeRogatis, who said that utilizing those types of vehicles aligns well with the Island’s Climate Action Plan goals around emissions reduction. The city — which is working on electrifying its fleet — is also being mindful of the Washington State Commute Trip Reduction Program.

DeRogatis added that the city is, “Trying to see ways that they could get folks to their office in a more green and sustainable fashion, especially looking ahead to the light rail opening.”

This inaugural electric vehicle last-mile program features two shuttle buses driving employees to and from the park and ride at 8000 N. Mercer Way and nearby bus stations to Riot Games, the City Hall/Public Works campus, the thrift shop and the community and event center (this stop also serves employees working at the Luther Burbank Park administration building).

The 13-passenger shuttles run on a continuous loop to and from the four locations from 7:30-10 a.m. and from 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays through April 24. If the program is extended, the routes will expand with the light rail opening later this year.

On the funding front, DeRogatis said that the pilot is costing the city under $15,000 with money coming from its budget for sustainability and climate action plan implementation.

“If we were to look to do something more permanent long-term, we’d be seeking out grant funding, some contribution from Riot Games and just kind of broadening the scope and seeing who could help fund this,” she said.

In the program’s preliminary phase, Evenson said they’re receiving a ton of interest from employees and look to ramp things up as the pilot rolls on.

“I think it’s one of the coolest programs we’ve ever launched here at Swoop,” he said. “The reason for that is, one, it’s 100% electric. We’re seeing such a movement to help this world become more sustainable. And being part of that is a dream come true. And two, it’s very cool to see a collaboration across Riot Games and the city of Mercer Island to help launch this program. Our goal is to really help drive more of these programs across the world.”

DeRogatis said the city feels it’s good to be creative and find other routes that can get more people excited about taking public transit whenever possible.

According to a Riot Games spokesperson, the company is excited about the opportunity to be a part of the innovative program. “We’re continuously looking for ways to make our offices as sustainable as possible and our Rioters are looking forward to having this eco-friendly commuting option.”

Courtesy of Swoop