METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

City of Salem, Via to Launch On-Demand Service

The new service, called Salem Skipper, will provide residents with more convenient and affordable travel.

by METRO Staff
December 11, 2020
City of Salem, Via to Launch On-Demand Service

There will be four Salem Skipper vehicles in service, two Chrysler Pacificas and two Dodge Caravans that are wheelchair accessible.

Credit:

Via

2 min to read


The City of Salem, Massachusetts, is launching a new on-demand service, called Salem Skipper, to provide residents and commuters with more convenient and affordable travel.

Powered by technology from Via, Salem Skipper will allow riders to enter a desired pickup and drop-off address to book a ride. From there, riders will receive vehicle information and an estimated pickup time and location.

Ad Loading...

Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to share the same vehicle, directing passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off. Starting Dec. 16, Salem residents will be able to hail a ride on their mobile device using the Salem Skipper app, available in the App Store or Google Play, or by calling (844) 983-1842.

New riders will get their first 10 trips free until Feb. 16. After that, rides are $2 for the general public and $1 for senior citizens, students, and people with disabilities. The service will be available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. There will be four Salem Skipper vehicles in service, two Chrysler Pacificas and two Dodge Caravans that are wheelchair accessible.

All vehicles will be equipped with plexiglass partitions, capped at three passengers to ensure social distancing, and frequently sanitized by the drivers. Additionally, passengers and drivers will be required to wear masks or face coverings while onboard.

Salem Skipper is being supported by a $75,000 Workforce Transit Grant from Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), $75,000 from the city transportation enhancement fund, and $150,000 from Footprint Power as part of their community agreement. The Salem Skipper service is also made possible through the efforts of the Salem for All Ages initiative.

Learn more about the Salem Skipper service.

More New Mobility

frontrunner bus
SponsoredMay 1, 2026

ADA Compliant Transit: Easier, More Dignified Travel for Every Passenger

Today’s riders—and the communities you serve—expect more from public transit. While ADA compliance is required, leading transit agencies know that true accessibility also means delivering dignity, efficiency, and a better rider experience. This whitepaper reveals why forward thinking agencies nationwide choose the Low Floor Frontrunner as their first choice for ADA compliant vehicles—setting a new standard with passenger first design, faster boarding, improved safety, and unmatched operational performance.

Read More →
A Valley Metro bus
Managementby StaffApril 28, 2026

Keolis Contract Extended for Valley Metro's East Valley Fixed-Route Bus Service

Under this extension, Keolis will continue to manage and operate fixed-route bus service across the East Valley, serving communities including Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Scottsdale, the town of Gilbert, parts of Phoenix, and the Gila River Indian Community.

Read More →
A MOIA/Beep vehicle on the road
New Mobilityby StaffApril 24, 2026

MOIA America Teams with Beep to Grow US Footprint

Through the strategic partnership, MOIA America will provide MOIA’s turnkey autonomous mobility solution. This includes purpose-built, autonomous-ready ID. Buzz vehicles equipped with the self-driving system developed by Mobileye, as well as operator training and enablement.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rider looking at a Via map on a smartphone
New Mobilityby StaffApril 6, 2026

NJ TRANSIT Introducing New Microtransit Pilot

The service will offer free connections to major bus stops and park-and-rides, linking customers to NJ TRANSIT’s fixed-route bus network.

Read More →
A new LexRide vehicle for Lextran's on-demand service.
New Mobilityby StaffMarch 31, 2026

Kentucky's Lextran Launches LexRide to Enhance Downtown Mobility

LexRide connects key destinations, including Downtown Lexington, the Distillery District, and the Warehouse Block/National Avenue area, making it easier to explore without worrying about parking, traffic, or multiple rideshare trips.

Read More →
Opening art for Sustabinability Partners Q&A
Zero Emissionsby Alex RomanMarch 25, 2026

Inside EVaaS: A New Model for Airport Fleet Electrification

Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Officials and community leaders cut a ribbon in front of a Pace On Demand shuttle bus outside Rolling Meadows City Hall to celebrate expanded on-demand transit service in northwest Cook County.
New Mobilityby News/Media ReleaseMarch 9, 2026

Chicago Pace Expand On-Demand Transportation Program

The expanded service builds on Pace’s growing On Demand network and is intended to improve access to destinations such as medical appointments, schools, shopping, employment centers and connections to the regional transit system.

Read More →
A vehicle that will be used for MARTA's Reach mobility program.
New Mobilityby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Atlanta's MARTA Set to Launch New On-Demand Transportation Service

An important part of the authority’s NextGen Bus Network, MARTA Reach will bring transit service directly to the rider’s location and offer a seamless link to the broader rail and bus system.

Read More →
A black and blue HOLON urban autonomous vehicle on a city street.
New Mobilityby Elora HaynesFebruary 26, 2026

CharterUP Moves to Scale Autonomous Shuttle Deployments Through HOLON Partnership

The partnership aims to accelerate the rollout of electric, high-capacity autonomous shuttles for campuses, airports, transit systems, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Portrait of Joshua Schank, Ph.D., alongside the ACES Mobility Coalition logo.
Managementby StaffFebruary 16, 2026

ACES Mobility Coalition Selects Joshua Schank as New Executive Director

Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.

Read More →