JAMESTOWN, N.Y. — For Lori Jafarjian, the current public transportation system is falling short of what workers need.

"We literally have had people like bike or walk to get employed at Cummins because they can't afford a vehicle at first,” said Jafarjian, an HR manager and community involvement leader at Cummins Engine in Ashville. “It's been a barrier for people applying, I think. As to even get out for an interview is a challenge for people to work at Cummins."

The Chautauqua County company employs some 1,700 people and the rural setting is a real barrier. She thinks ridesharing would be beneficial for current and future workers.

Rep. Tom Reed agrees. “Getting from point A to B is very difficult. People can't afford the car repairs that are out there, gasoline costs."

He hosted Jafarjian and other community leaders, including a representative from Uber, Thursday at Jamestown Community College.

Reeds says the purpose is to break the transportation barrier, by attracting new drivers, who will then get people to work, or wherever they need to be.

"To get Uber thinking along the lines that this may not just be in the cities. This may be out in the rural area. I know they're looking at it," he said.

To help overcome the issue, the company has rolled out its Uber Central, or business to business program.

"Where drivers are incentivized to pick up people in longer distances, such as rural areas, and therefore that will allow people to get to where they need,” said Patrick Lynden, senior manager of federal policy for UBER Technologies. "Everyone in the room mentioned it is a barrier, and well understood."