Trinity Metro, Via Expand Partnership to Merge On-Demand, Paratransit Services

Texas’ Trinity Metro expanded its partnership with TransitTech provider Via, which has powered the successful ZIPZONE on-demand rideshare transit service since 2019, to deploy intuitive technology and efficient operations across its entire transit network.

The refreshed transit program includes broadened and improved on-demand and paratransit services, which will increase transit access for more people in Tarrant County than ever before.

The agency will also become one of the first in the nation to merge on-demand rideshare services and paratransit operations — an innovative solution designed to maximize service efficiency and improve experience for all riders while minimizing overhead costs.

Trinity’s On-Demand Program

On-demand transit works by matching riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle, which creates efficient shared trips. The flexible model uses “virtual bus stops” based on the rider’s pickup and drop off location instead of traditional physical stops and predetermined routes.

The expanded on-demand service will provide easy connectivity to Trinity Metro’s existing bus lines.

Trinity Metro is planning a phased roll-out of improvements over the coming months. Key upcoming milestones include:

• July: Introduction of new zone: Trinity Metro On-Demand Mansfield. Via will also assume operations for the Alliance zone (previously operated by Lyft) to provide shared rides that can easily connect with the broader Trinity Metro network.
• September: Launch of new zones in Fort Worth’s North Side and near Tarrant County College Northeast Campus, expanded coverage in the Southside zone (Sycamore Heights).
• October: Enhancements to the Trinity Metro paratransit program.

“Trinity Metro’s decision to take transit innovation to the next level underscores our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our community, with the goal of public transit becoming the preferred mode of travel for Tarrant County residents and visitors for years to come,” said Wayne Gensler, COO at Trinity Metro.

Maintaining Customer Feedback

Both Via and Trinity Metro are dedicated to maintaining open communication and engagement with the Tarrant County community. The collaborative approach is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition for riders, with a focus on transparency and responsiveness to feedback.

The announcement follows more than five years of successful collaboration between Trinity Metro and Via for the ZIPZONE on-demand rideshare program, one of the first public-private partnerships to use TransitTech and an on-demand model to expand transportation access.