Bismarck-Mandan leadership group works to establish efficient ride share locations

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Cities across the country have created designated rideshare areas. Now Bismarck’s looking to hop on board.

Rideshare services are popular and convenient, but some wish the process of catching a ride was safer and easier.

“To have a designated area for Uber or Lyft would make it easier to not only find your ride but just to stay out of the way of incoming and outgoing traffic as well,” said Aberdeen resident Kassidy Nelson who uses Uber when traveling.

Seven existing loading zones have been selected by the group to be pick-up and drop-off locations.

“The idea is not that there’s lots of rideshare locations clogging up downtown, but there’s enough to make it convenient for patrons, but also allow Uber drivers and Lyft drivers to find it easily,” said Bismarck Mandan Leadership class member Jillian Lagasse.

The group says the change will not affect parking or require policing.

“There is not a regulation that they have to follow these, however if they want to find their rider it’s just easier if they go to these spots,” added class member Amy Mazigian.

The group has been working with downtown businesses and the city of Bismarck to establish a six-month pilot program this summer.

If the program is a success in Bismarck, they hope to expand rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones to Mandan.

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