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Telegraph Berkely

Berkley, California

TBID’s Ambassadors clean miles of sidewalks and greet thousands of visitors each year. Our staff works hard every day, coordinating cleaning, safety, and hospitality services; marketing the district; assisting small businesses and other stakeholders; providing a voice for the district through partnership with the City of Berkeley and University of California; and providing other crucial services that would not otherwise exist.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

Serving Since: 2017

Posted on Monday November 14, 2022 by Ambassador Spotlight

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The Spirit Behind the Service

Ambassador Spotlight: Dave Hallenberger

“I want to be outside. I want to be where the people are,” Dave Hallenberger replied when asked why he valued his Ambassador position at Block by Block (BBB).

Before working as a Special Projects Ambassador in Downtown Minneapolis, Dave spent 28 years in a security role where he was confined indoors, behind a desk. He shared that he did not know what happiness felt like in a work environment until he started his career at Block by Block. From Dave’s first day on the job to 13 years later, he is still passionate about the positive impact created by his work downtown. Raised in a small town near Lake City, Minnesota, the army veteran of 10 years initially felt intimidated by Minneapolis since he was unfamiliar with the landscape. Now he knows the streets of downtown like the back of his hand. 

Dave’s journey as an Ambassador began when his sister-in-law advised him to apply for an opening position at the company. At the time, Block by Block was a recently introduced hospitality service to the downtown area contracted by the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District. 

Immediately after reviewing the job description, Dave was thrilled to apply. “They were going to pay me to be a good Samaritan!” he thought. Quickly, he learned that his new employer was different from any other that he had witnessed in the workforce. 

“Where do you get a job where the vice president of the company goes out there with you?” Hallenberger commented about his first day on the field. He appreciated the precedent the company’s leadership set because it connected the values and culture through the different roles and ranks. 

Throughout his years working at Block by Block, he became a trusted employee who always went above and beyond. “He makes my job easier,” Angel Johnson, Operations Manager at BBB, shared. 

Many other managers who worked with Dave agreed. He always takes the initiative to complete tasks before they are noticed and goes above what is expected of him. Over the 13 years, he was recognized twice as the employee of the year and was recently awarded employee of the quarter. Hallenberger thrived in his role because of the trust he built with the management team. He appreciated the freedom and the responsibility of his job. 

Throughout his time, he implemented a routine, starting his week by patrolling the blocks and noticing anything that seemed off. From there, he prioritized his projects and what he needed to accomplish in the following days. Even his colleagues were quick to see the self-starter within Dave’s personality. 

His coworker and partner on the field, Ron Carlson, said, “You can see how much Dave cares about what he does. He is passionate about his work and wants to do the best job possible.”  

Because of the painstaking efforts Dave and many other Ambassadors demonstrate, Minneapolis is kept clean, friendly, and safe. Their hard work keeps the graffiti off the buildings, trash off the streets, and hospitality at the forefront. The Ambassador position at Block by Block was more than just a job for Dave. In addition to positively impacting the community, it was an opportunity for Dave to find joy in his work. Within a year of working as an Ambassador, he encouraged his son, Kevin, to apply. Closely behind Dave in seniority, Kevin has worked as an Ambassador for 12 years in various roles. Currently, he is the team lead for the night shift.

Stories like Dave Hallenberger’s reveal the environment Block by Block creates in downtown areas. By incorporating their hospitality services, downtown communities can provide meaningful jobs that are rewarding and beneficial to the economy. In turn, Ambassadors serve by keeping the city polished and welcoming for the individuals visiting or coming to work. 

This ecosystem generates opportunities for people to find work where they feel heard and gives them a chance to serve other citizens. “I feel very passionate about my job,” Dave added. 

Downtown Roanoke, Inc.

Roanoke, Virginia

Downtown Roanoke Ambassador Program

Having a clean, safe, and welcoming downtown is the foundation of a great city. Our 8-person Ambassador team is downtown 6 days a week providing nearly 300 hours of weekly services. Our Ambassador Program builds on existing services and allows us to expand and improve the downtown experience for residents, employees, and visitors.

Ambassador Services

Clean Team

  • Removal of litter and debris
  • Weed control
  • Graffiti and handbill removal
  • Power washing

Hospitality Team

  • Engage and welcome visitors
  • Answer questions
  • Provide directions and recommendations

Outreach Team

  • Conduct business outreach
  • Address quality of life issues
  • Check in with those in need and help connect them with services
  • Work closely with Roanoke City Police to report and share information

Ambassador Hours

The current hours for our Ambassador Team are noted below. This schedule is subject to change as we make adjustments during the early stages of the program.

  • Monday – Thursday 8:00am – 4:30pm
  • Friday & Saturday 8:00am – 10:00pm

For Ambassador assistance during operating hours, call (540) 553-6638.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

outreach

Serving Since: 2022

Visit Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

K-Town Connect Ambassador Program

When you see our friendly team out and about downtown in their bright green attire, feel free to ask for directions on where to park, eat and generally have fun. The K-Town Connect team is a fantastic source of information for your downtown experience. For additional assistance, maps and more, be sure to stop by the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center at 301 S. Gay Street.

Our Ambassadors help improve our downtown by providing the following services:

Hospitality and Information – Ambassadors greet pedestrians and provide general assistance, maps and/or directions, information on historic sites, shops, restaurants, public transportation, other places of interest and general information that may be helpful and welcoming. Ambassadors help and support the general public to address a wide range of situations and needs, such as: assistance with the use of parking meter stations, repairing a flat tire, opening a door, escorting employees to parking garages, and by offsetting any potentially negative experience with a positive interaction.

A Visible Presence Improving Quality of Life – Ambassadors circulate throughout downtown to create a highly visible, accessible, outgoing, and inviting presence, with an attitude of friendly professionalism, superior customer service, and hospitality—placed strategically to address critical issues or needs at key times, and as needed. All Ambassadors are trained to appropriately handle situations in a firm, yet courteous, manner. In addition, ambassadors discourage aggressive solicitation and other prohibited behaviors, and provide information and support to Visit Knoxville. Ambassadors also check on the welfare of our most vulnerable populations and work within the many Knoxville resources to connect those in need with assistance.

The K-Town Connect Ambassador Program operates a first shift 7am-3:30pm Sunday through Saturday and a second shift 3:00pm-11:30pm Wednesday through Sunday. Questions? Call (865) 393-3195 for details.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

Serving Since: 2022

Sunset Park District Management Association

Brooklyn, New York

Small but versatile program to provide cleaning services in the heart of Brooklyn New York.

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

Serving Since: 2022

Atlantic Ave BID

Brooklyn, New York

Small but versatile program to provide cleaning services in the heart of Brooklyn New York.

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

Serving Since: 2022

Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc.

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The Green Team and the Business Improvement District (BID) play an important role by keeping downtown a safe, clean, and welcoming place to work, live, and visit. The BID-funded Green Team provides supplemental cleaning and safety services within the six downtown neighborhoods of the Downtown Oklahoma City Business Improvement District.

CORE SERVICES

  • Trash and litter removal
  • Street vacuuming
  • Pressure washing sidewalks
  • Human/animal waste removal and sanitation
  • Sticker and graffiti removal
  • Special event information
  • Business check-ins
  • Hospitality escorts
  • Homeless outreach

BENEFITS OF GREEN TEAM PROGRAM

  • Comprehensive data reporting
  • Increased visibility with an integrated brand
  • Efficiencies in communication and coordination of services
  • Enhanced hospitality across all services

View BID Website

Services:

safety

cleaning

outreach

landscaping

Serving Since: 2022

Downtown Frederick Partnership

Frederick, Maryland

The Downtown Frederick Ambassador Program employs 4-6 full-time workers (depending upon the season) to monitor and clean the downtown area. Ambassadors work from 7AM-10PM five days a week (Wednesday through Sunday). The ambassador program covers more than 17 blocks of the downtown area – including Market Street, Patrick Street, Carroll Creek Linear Park and Everedy Square & Shab Row.

Ambassadors help keep Downtown Frederick a safe and beautiful destination by providing essential functions, such as actively engaging pedestrians with friendly greetings and assistance, providing directions and information to visitors, picking up trash and power washing sidewalks, removing graffiti and stickers from light poles and other public infrastructure, collecting leaves and debris from sidewalks and gutters, pulling weeds in public spaces, and so much more! Downtown Frederick Partnership contracts with Block by Block to provide this service.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

Serving Since: 2021

SF Travel/San Francisco Tourism Improvement District

San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a city where everyone is always welcome. While you are in San Francisco, you’ll find plenty of friendly faces ready to greet you. Meet our official San Francisco Welcome Ambassadors!

San Francisco’s Welcome Ambassadors are ready to help improve your visitor experience.

  • Not sure how to get to Fisherman’s Wharf? Our Welcome Ambassadors can provide directions to popular visitor attractions.
  • Looking for restaurant recommendations near your Union Square hotel? Our Welcome Ambassadors can help you find exactly the kind of meal you’re craving.
  • Need someone to take a picture of you and your fellow travelers in front of a legendary San Francisco landmark? Our Welcome Ambassadors would be happy to do that for you.
  • For visitors and residents alike, our Welcome Ambassadors provide a friendly welcome during commuting hours at main transit stops along Market Street from Powell Street to the Ferry Building.

Our Welcome Ambassadors are knowledgable, multi-lingual, and committed to sharing their love of San Francisco with you. You can find them out and about, 7 days a week, in some of our most popular neighborhoods—including Chinatown, North Beach, and SoMa—from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Just look for their bright orange jackets—the same color as the Golden Gate Bridge.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

Serving Since: 2021

City of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky

The City of Louisville collaborated with Block by Block to provide cleaning and safety services to key neighborhoods in the Metro Area.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

Serving Since: 2022

City of Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Ambassadors patrol a 40-block stretch of Atlantic Avenue, from Pacific Avenue to the bike path, focusing on delivering cleaning and hospitality services in the resort area of Virginia Beach. 

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

Serving Since: 2021

Downtown Greensboro, Inc.

Greensboro, North Carolina

Downtown Greensboro has a dedicated team of Ambassadors who provide a variety of services to the center city. Whether it be providing directions or offering a helping hand to those who need it, our Ambassadors are here to help.

  • Welcoming and assisting visitors
  • Hospitality escorts to and from any downtown business
  • Promoting downtown amenities and businesses
  • Providing maps and visitor information
  • Assisting with downtown special events
  • Calls for assistance to police, fire, EMS
  • Connecting those in need to social services
  • Business check-ins and resident assistance
  • Panhandling and suspicious activity observation and reporting
  • Litter pickup from public sidewalks
  • And more

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

Serving Since: 2021

University District Special Improvement District

Columbus, Ohio

The University District is comprised of the neighborhoods surrounding one of the nation’s largest public universities, The Ohio State University. It is an eclectic mix of thirteen distinct neighborhoods: The Circles, Dennison Place, Glen Echo, Indianola Forest, Indianola Terrace, Iuka Ravine, NECKO, Northwood Park, Old North Columbus, Peach District, SoHud, Tuttle Park, and Weinland Park.  Block by Block will be providing supplemental cleaning, safety and hospitality services to the University District.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

Serving Since: 2021

Downtown Boulder Partnership

Boulder, Colorado

Downtown Boulder Ambassador Program

Downtown Boulder Ambassadors can be easily identified by a bright blue shirt with a green Downtown Boulder Ambassador logo and are trained to provide information to residents and visitors, give directions/recommendations, escort visitors and employees safely to and from vehicles and businesses upon request, help visitors find parked vehicles; work with Boulder Police Department to locate lost items, patrol the district and address unfavorable activities/ordinance violations (e.g. smoking in public spaces, dogs on the Mall, etc.) , Identify and offer assistance to individuals in need of social services.

Downtown Boulder Partnership (DBP), in partnership with the City of Boulder, implemented a more robust version of our Clean and Safe Ambassador Program in downtown that launched on July 1, 2021. Overall, the program provides cleaning, safety and hospitality services within the 49-block Business Improvement District (BID) along with the city’s Civic Area and, in partnership with the University of Colorado, the University Hill business district.

Downtown Ambassadors support City of Boulder staff efforts to keep the streets clean by removing trash and debris, pulling weeds, cleaning graffiti and supporting other programs of the Downtown Boulder Business Improvement District to beautify downtown and keep it clean, safe and welcoming.

Downtown Boulder Ambassadors patrol over 49 blocks serving as the concierges of downtown. Ambassadors provide pedestrian assistance, directions, transit information, activity recommendations and more, while walking the district as well as at the Visitor Information Center.

DBP ambassadors will help to continue to foster a downtown environment that is clean, safe, and welcoming every day of the year.  If you are people-orientated, outgoing and community focused, become a Downtown Boulder ambassador and work with a fun and passionate team of individuals through our partners at Block By Block. View available positions. (Search using zip code 80302.)

If you are a downtown business owner and would like to make a operational request during business hours, please call 720-498-9601. You may also reach out via email to Guillermo (Coco) Coconati, our Operations Manager to submit requests for graffiti removal and other maintenance needs. If you are not sure who to contact about a specific issue, please refer to our downtown maintenance, ‘Who’s Responsible’ webpage with detailed information.

LEARN ABOUT THE HILL AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

View BID Website

Services:

safety

cleaning

placemaking

Serving Since: 2021

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

Boston, Massachusetts

In the fall of 2017, the MBTA introduced the Transit Ambassador customer outreach program. Transit Ambassadors wear bright red polo shirts, sweaters, or jackets with T logos and can be found at stations throughout the system. They can help you buy tickets and passes, figure out the best way to get to your destination, and provide real-time travel information.

Transit Ambassadors also provide assistance during special events, system outages, and service disruptions.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

transit

Serving Since: 2017

Short North Alliance

Columbus, Ohio

Block by Block provides supplemental cleaning, safety and hospitality services to the Short North Alliance, a thriving arts district in Columbus, Ohio.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

safety

cleaning

Serving Since: 2021

Downtown Tulsa Partnership

Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Downtown Tulsa Ambassador Team is on the job seven days a week to ensure Downtown is clean, vibrant, and welcoming to everyone. Their goal is to improve Downtown with enhanced cleaning, safety, and beautification services, which are made possible by Downtown Tulsa property and business owners. The team works hand-in-hand with the region’s service and outreach organizations to aid Tulsa’s most vulnerable populations.

Ambassador Services Include

  • Trash and litter removal
  • Directions and area information
  • Hospitality services
  • Graffiti and stickers removal
  • Pressure washing sidewalks
  • Safety escorts and checks
  • Special beautification projects

For Service Call: 918-202-4093

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

landscaping

Serving Since: 2021

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

New York City, New York

Block by Block provides supplemental cleaning services along Myrtle Avenue from Flatbush to Classon Avenues in the Clinton Hill and Fort Greene neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

placemaking

Serving Since: 2021

Midtown Baltimore CBD

Baltimore, Maryland

Block by Block provides supplemental cleaning services to the 144 block area of the Midtown Community Benefits District in central Baltimore. This includes four distinct communities: Bolton Hill, Charles North, Madison Park, and Mount Vernon.

CLEAN

  • Removes litter from streets, sidewalks, gutter lines, tree pits, bus stops, storm drains, and parks using mechanized equipment and broom & dustpans for detailed work

  • Empties of 187 trash cans, 7 days per week

  • Provides bulk trash removal

  • Removes graffiti and stickers using chemicals and power washer from from street signs, light poles, trash cans, and bus stops

  • Inspects and cleans alleyways on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

  • Hand wipes vertical surfaces i.e., trash receptacles, benches, lamp posts doggie stations

GREEN

  • Maintains 20+ acres of public greenspaces, including 25 parks

  • Provides tree and tree pit stewardship, including mulching, pruning, and watering

  • Supports community tree and park stewardship through various channels

  • Assists community associations (and/or groups) with tree plantings and pruning events

  • Promotes tree and park stewardship by sharing best practices with a goal towards increasing community involvement

  • Promotes certification opportunities through public and private partners

  • Provides seasonal leaf management service

  • Offers sustainable green waste removal collection

  • Provides weeding along gutter lines and curbs. Owners are responsible for sidewalks and tree wells per city code.

SEASONAL FOCUS:

  • Spring: mulch delivery, weeding, park planting beds, tree planting and watering, trash removal

  • Summer: edging, weeding, watering, trash removal

  • Fall: edging, weeding, tree planting and watering, trash removal

  • Winter: tree and shrub pruning, trash removal, tree canopy audit

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

landscaping

Serving Since: 2021

ACE Downtown LLC

Augusta, Georgia

Small but versatile program to provide cleaning and safety/hospitality services in the heart of Augusta, GA while demonstrating the value of a program to the downtown stakeholders during BID petitioning.

View BID Website

Services:

cleaning

Serving Since: 2021

Downtown Chattanooga

Chatanooga, Tennessee

Our ambassadors are your guide to the best Downtown has to offer. We are here to help you.

We help visitors:

  • Find parking options

  • Take group photos

  • Walk safely to their car

  • Make recommendations for things to do and places to eat

  • Help you find cool places to take photos

  • Locate businesses and services

  • Keep the Downtown area clean and inviting

Downtown workers, residents and visitors are invited to use this service.

Call 423.206.4200 to request an ambassador to walk you to or from your car any time during these hours:

Monday – Thursday | 6AM – 8PM
Friday – Saturday | 6AM – 10PM

View BID Website

Services:

safety

cleaning

Serving Since: 2021

Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership

Kalamazoo, Michigan

The Downtown Ambassador Program, managed by Block by Block, was created as a direct result of the growing downtown area and the needs of the community. The program will provide a direct, accessible connection seven days a week to meet the cleaning and hospitality needs as the district continues to attract new businesses, residents, and visitors.

Ambassadors will proactively engage in services ranging from daily cleaning services like emptying trash, sweeping sidewalks, power washing walkways, and seasonal leaf/snow removal, to hospitality and outreach services including providing directions to visitors, developing relationships with local businesses, and supporting downtown events and programs.

All program ambassadors, whether specializing in cleaning or hospitality, will be trained in providing customer service while observing appropriate physical distancing and safety protocols.

The Downtown Kalamazoo Ambassador Program is supported by the generous financial contributions of several community organizations and entities, including the City of Kalamazoo, Consumers Energy Foundation, Discover Kalamazoo, Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation, Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, The Jim Gilmore Jr. Foundation, and Metro.

View BID Website

Services:

hospitality

cleaning

Serving Since: 2021

Long Beach Case Study

Downtown Long Beach Alliance

Our program in Downtown Long Beach was only our second Ambassador Team to hit the streets west of the Mississippi when we launched the Downtown Long Beach Alliance Safety Guides in 2005.  Ever since, the DLBA has always been a key figure in Block by Block’s history.  The Gateway City of Long Beach introduced us to unique challenges combining an urban water front locale with a dense residential core and energetic night life and entertainment scenes.  This environment allowed us really hone in our operating plan for delivering effective safety services to fit diverse user group needs in a west coast market all while growing as a company.

Today, our continued growth has an uncanny resemblance to our expansion of service offerings for the Downtown Long Beach Alliance.  Just as we were once a “simple” Clean and Safe company transformed into the go-to Swiss Army Knife for service delivery in the public realm, we’ve seen our service model in Long Beach progress from a Safety Ambassador program to one that’s all encompassing to include: Outreach, Cleaning, Pressure Washing, Landscaping, Place Making and Fee for Service expansions.  In addition to working with the DLBA to continually find new ways to enhance service delivery on the streets, we have also seen no less than six Ambassadors from our Long Beach teams promoted to management levels positions within Block by Block during our 15 year partnership with the DLBA.  That’s what we’d call a success story!

Thank you to the Downtown Long Beach Alliance for allowing us to not only grow with you, but for trusting us to be the face of your downtown.

Downtown Long beach By the Numbers:

  • Curb lines are cleared of debris with 287% more frequency since adding litter vacuums
  • 1.38 square miles of district sidewalks are pressure washed every single week
  • We check in with over 900 businesses each month to ensure they are well taken care of
  • In 10 minutes or less we can come to the rescue and assist with your flat tire or dead battery
  • Over 12,000 miles are covered annually by our district bike patrols alone

Get Connected with Block by Block

We provide superior specialized services through management of systems and people that allow our customers to focus on their core business. Learn more about how we have fine-tuned our cleaning and maintenance programs to bring your property better results at a better value.

Get Connected

Bay Ridge Case Study

SMALL DISTRICTS: Taking this District ‘Beyond Litter’ to accomplish more!

Block by Block was hired by the Bay Ridge 5th Avenue BID on August 1, 2020 to provide supplemental environmental services within their annual sanitation budget of $229,822 to elevate the sanitary conditions and physical appearance of the heavily trafficked 5th Avenue district.

The Bay Ridge 5th Avenue BID is comprised of 40 block faces stretching from 65th to 85th Streets in Brooklyn, NY and has an annual assessment of $534,000.  The community mirrors much of NYC as a vibrant and culturally diverse residential and business district that is home to over 330 ground floor retail and restaurant establishments along 5th Avenue and over 70,000 residents in the surrounding neighborhood.

The previous vendor provided only trash services via broom and dustpan with no graffiti or weed removal, special project work such as power washing or painting of street furniture, leaving the district in need of significant restoration work on August 1st.

Block by Block’s approach to making an immediate and lasting impact was to add 208 “blitz” hours to the annual budget that would allow the Ambassadors to quickly bring the district up to a standard that could be maintained by the Team’s 160 weekly service hours.  The “blitz” hours included restoration work such as the power washing the 78 district trash cans, painting 192 street fixtures (streetlamp poles, hydrants, fireboxes and bus stops) weeding and deep cleaning the tree pits and removing graffiti and stickers from street furniture and storefronts.  Due to both storage space and budgetary constraints equipment for the program is limited to: rolling barrels, a special project cart with paint and graffiti removal supplies, battery operated blowers & weed trimmers and a power washing trike to clean trash cans/spills and stains, radios for communication and iPhones for data and photo collection in the SMART System.

The 90 day improvement to 5th Avenue was dramatic as noted by the before and after photos as well as the SMART System statistical measurements:

  • 225 graffiti tags removed
  • 520 bills & stickers removed
  • 1557 trash cans cleaned
  • 6211 trash bags used – representing over 217,577 lbs of trash removed from the district
  • 192 street fixtures painted
20/08 20/09 20/10 TOTAL
311 Requests 5 10 11 26
Bike Removal 1 1 2 4
Business Contact 48 87 87 222
Graffiti – Removed 50 12 163 225
Hospitality Assistance 146 137 114 397
Stickers Removed From Infrastructure 159 224 137 520
Storm Drains Cleaned 1233 869 604 2,706
Trash (# of bags) 2191 1992 2028 6,211
Trash Cans Cleaned 569 597 391 1,557
Tree Pit Cleaning 495 683 435 1,613
Weed Abatement (sites) 95 53 56 204

Bay Ridge 5th Avenue BID – By the Numbers

  • 40 block faces/20 NYC blocks serviced = 1 mile
  • 330 ground floor retail & restaurant establishments
  • 78 district trash cans
  • 13 NYC transit B63 bus stops

The Ambassador Program – By the Numbers

  • 160 weekly service hours
  • 208 blitz hours
  • 4 FTEs
  • 3 rolling barrels
  • 1 power washing trike
  • 1 projects cart
  • 2 battery operated greenworks blowers
  • 2 battery operated greenworks trimmers
  • 3 radios
  • 3 SMART Devices

The 90 Day Results – By the Numbers

  • 225 Graffiti Tags Removed
  • 520 Bills & Stickers Removed
  • 1,557 Trash Cans Cleaned
  • 6,211 Trash Bags Used – Representing over 217,577 lbs of trash removed from the district

Total District Infrastructure Painted 192

  • 128 black light poles
  • 22 green traffic control boxes
  • 10 red fire boxes
  • 15 yellow bus stop curb lines
  • 10 black/gray hydrants and bollards
  • 7 gray storefront roll down gates

Get Connected with Block by Block

We provide superior specialized services through management of systems and people that allow our customers to focus on their core business. Learn more about how we have fine-tuned our cleaning and maintenance programs to bring your property better results at a better value.

Get Connected

MBTA Case Study

Block by Block serves the MBTA

In 2015 the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) began searching for a more cost efficient solution for providing in-station customer assistance. The recognized cost efficiencies would allow the system to deliver more coverage to the most heavily traversed stations in the system, which is known as ‘The T’. Much of the need to implement broader customer service was influenced by the mandate given to the agency to better serve those riders having disabilities.

After seeing Block by Block’s many friendly faces of its Downtown Boston Business Improvement District’s Ambassador program, the MBTA engaged Block by Block to learn more about our services, along with our philosophies of culture and proactive engagement, which drive those great interactions in downtown Boston.

After a formal interview to share our ideas and strategies we were awarded a two-station pilot program. One of those stations was the Chinatown station, which long have been plagued by socially unacceptable issues related to the transient population in that neighborhood. The addition of the highly visible Ambassadors has been credited with improving not only the perception of safety of that station, but the feeling of cleanliness as many of the unacceptable behaviors generated cleaning issues for the station. The visibility of the Ambassadors in those stations was greatly attributed to the requirement for Ambassadors to be present in the entrances, near the areas where ticket machines are located and on the platforms. Many riders commented in the first few days that there was a much more positive vibe to the stations by having a smiling face in the station.

Upon conclusion of the two month pilot program there was an overwhelming feeling that the program had been highly successful. This led to an expansion of 11 more stations within the core of the system, followed by expansion ot 17, then 24 then 31 stations in the system.

The addition of friendly, helpful people was obviously one of the desired outcomes of the Transit Ambassador program. In fact some referred to this as one of the few initiatives in memory that received unanimous public approval.

There was however a significant secondary benefit recognized by the MBTA.  The agency realized a considerable reduction in fare evasion. Having an actively engaged, uniformed presence has been impactful on the number of riders who would piggy back in or jump the fare gates. While it’s hard to predict how much fare evasion has been reduced, estimates range as low as 8% and as high as 24%, which means that a significant amount of expense related to the Ambassador program is recovered through riders paying the expected fare.

If you find yourself in Boston, make sure to say hello to one of our friendly Transit Ambassadors!

The Block by Block Transit Ambassador Program by the Numbers:

Most widely recognized program with a positive impact.

  • Number of Transit Ambassadors – 271
  • Stations Serviced – 44 Core Stations with multiple positions in many stations
  • Number of persons assisted in 2019 – 234,000+
  • Number of disabled riders assisted – 41,000+
  • Number of incidents reported – 2,350
  • Reduction in fare evasion – 8%-24%
  • Smiles and Greetings Provided – Millions
  • Issues deterred – Countless

Get Connected with Block by Block

We provide superior specialized services through management of systems and people that allow our customers to focus on their core business. Learn more about how we have fine-tuned our cleaning and maintenance programs to bring your property better results at a better value.

Get Connected