Via, a public mobility solution, is reimagining how the world moves, from regulated systems with rigid routes and schedules to fully dynamic networks. In the latest development, the company has announced a new public transportation deployment in partnership with the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT).
New on-demand shared transit network!
Called SmaRT Ride, the new on-demand shared transit network officially launched to the public on January 6, serving nine zones throughout Sacramento, CA.
With the SmaRT Ride app ((iOS and Android), riders can hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone. Additionally, the passengers can also book a ride by calling 916-556-0100.
Largest on-demand micro-transit system in America with 42 vehicles!
This platform will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.
The service relies on small, neighborhood-friendly shuttle buses to easily maneuver on residential streets, and the vehicles are equipped to accommodate people with disabilities. SmaRT Ride now services zones in Citrus Heights, Franklin-South Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Arden, Carmichael, Downtown-Midtown-East Sacramento, Gerber-Calvine, Folsom, and North Sacramento.
The cost to ride is only $2.50 (€2.25) per trip, $1.25 (€1.12) for those eligible for the discount fare (seniors and persons with disabilities), or free for youth with the RydeFreeRT sticker or pass. Riders can also use their SacRT monthly pass. Groups of five or more are free; all riders must travel in a group of five or more from the same pick-up location to the same destination.
The new SmaRT Ride service is provided through Measure A funding. SacRT was awarded a $12 million (approx €10.7 million) grant by the Sacramento Transportation Authority to help expand micro-transit into new communities throughout the region.
Rolled out six electric SmaRT Ride shuttles
As part of the SmaRT Ride expansion, SacRT also rolled out six electric SmaRT Ride shuttles in the Downtown-Midtown-East Sacramento service area. In the next six months, three additional electric SmaRT Ride shuttles will be operating in the Franklin-South Sacramento zone. Those three shuttles are being provided by Electrify America.
Via now powers the largest micro-transit system in America with SacRT, as well as the largest such deployment in the world in partnership with the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) in Berlin, Germany.
Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via, said:
We are thrilled to partner with our innovative friends at SacRT to bring Via’s technology to Sacramento. The all-new SmaRT Ride service is now the largest on-demand micro-transit project in the United States, making it an excellent example of how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter.
SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li said:
We have seen great success with our other SmaRT Ride zones, and we are excited to be able to provide this innovative mobility option to more communities. This expansion is a huge milestone for SacRT as we continue to explore new transit options and improve access and mobility for our riders.
Main image picture credits: Via
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