Mich.’s Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) hired Chris Simmons as its new business services program manager for TheRide and the director of the getDowntown Program.

Simmons worked as an attorney with a focus on community development and business formation issues, prior to working in Transportation Demand Management (TDM). He previously worked with the City of Kent, Wash., and managed a program similar to the getDowntown program. He also worked with the Washington State Department of Transportation, where he managed rideshare programs and was instrumental in the restructuring of Rideshareonline.com. Most recently he worked as the advocacy director for the Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council. Simmons has also served in several leadership roles with the Association for Commuter Transportation.

Simmons will be responsible for developing and implementing programs to assist businesses and their employees to use alternative transportation options while commuting to work. He will also oversee the implementation of TheRide’s sponsored pass programs, and the formation of vanpools and carpools.

“I’m excited to be joining an organization with such a level of community support and dedication to customer service. As we continue to improve on our successful program offerings, I look forward to engaging with businesses and the community on how our service offerings can better serve their needs,” said Simmons.