Spanish in the iCarpool platform is ready to go and we need your input

[Stan Suchan]

During 2012, Pacific Northwest iCarpool network administrators discussed purchasing a Spanish language option for our platform, which includes services offered by RideshareOnline.com, Drive Less Connect, I-Way, Totem Lake Green Trips, etc. This option would provide an opportunity for administrators to engage additional markets for TDM and ridesharing and it would help us comply with requirements, commitments and policies related to accessibility and diversity.

The Spanish language feature is well tested and has been available in San Diego for nearly a year. WSDOT has funding to add this feature and several administrators are eager to reach out to people who speak Spanish as their primary language. Additionally, they are willing to conduct pilot projects and share results.

In previous discussions, some administrators identified concerns that needed to be addressed before we added this language option. A small team of administrators and I have worked together to address these concerns. We believe we are ready to turn on the Spanish language option throughout the Pacific Northwest. Here's some additional information you may find helpful:

What will our customers see if we turn on the Spanish language option?

People who log on to the iCarpool platform in the Pacific Northwest will have an option to view the site in Spanish. After they log in, a drop down menu box will appear above the blue main menu bar. English will appear as the default language, but customers who wish to view the site in Spanish can choose to use the drop down menu to adjust the site using the Spanish selection.

Many functional elements of the site; such as ridematching, calendaring, events and other features; will be translated into Spanish. However, some elements, particularly those published by administrators, will not. For example, people will not see translated versions of the content administrators publish in news feed, announcements or as domain content (the content between the news feed and announcements). In addition, users will not see Spanish language versions of branding (wire wraps) that surround the iCarpool platform.

What if a Spanish speaking customer:

• sends an administrator an e-mail?

Administrators should use their own translation service, find a colleague to translate for them, or use a free online translation service such as Google Translate, Bing Translator, or BabelFish.

• calls an administrator on the phone?

WSDOT will provide a phone number to administrators so they can get instant, 24/7 translation service via conference call. This phone number will be for the use of all iCarpool network administrators in Idaho, Oregon and Washington and should only be used for the purposes of helping customers ride match or use other features and services related to the iCarpool Pacific Northwest platform. This service will be provided on a pilot basis for a year or so.

• attempts to ride match via email with someone who speaks only English?

Customers will find a friend to translate, use a free online translation service like Bing Translator, Google Translate or BabelFish or choose not to respond to inquiries in a language they don’t speak.

Can we turn the language option on only for networks that want it?

No. This option would be available for all networks using the Pacific Northwest iCarpool platform. However, customer use of this option would likely be driven by marketing and outreach on a local level.

How would we promote this new option?

Network administrators may choose whether or not they wish to conduct outreach to customers who speak Spanish. In the months ahead we plan to provide electronic copies of two of our brochures, a flier and bookmarks in Spanish. These materials will be designed to allow administrators to customize them with their own logo and contact information.  Additionally, the state of Washington may print RideshareOnline.com versions of these materials and make them available to administrators.

When would this happen?

The Spanish language option could be added to the Pacific Northwest platform as early as February 2013. If you want to take a look at it, the option is currently visible on our training site:  https://rsotraining.icarpool.us/en/Login.aspx. If you need access to the training site, please email your request to [e-mail].

In addition to getting your input, we have several steps to complete before we can go live with the Spanish language option.

Questions or comments?

Comment here. Send me an email [e-mail]. Or call me at 206-464-1192.