Via expands on-demand ride program in Chicago

Via, a provider and developer of on-demand shared ride services, expanded its Chicago-area service. Via will now be available in Evanston as well as Hermosa, Humboldt Park, and Mayfair. The expansion will see the Chicago-area service zone increase by more than 20%.

All shared rides within Evanston will be a low $3 flat fare. Via aims to be a key first- and-last mile solution for the commuter-heavy suburb, connecting residents, and commuters to rail stations without the need for a personal vehicle.

Using the Via app, passengers select their pick up and drop off location and confirm their ride. Via’s smart algorithm enables multiple riders to seamlessly share a single vehicle. The powerful technology directs passengers to a nearby corner — a virtual bus stop — for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours that take riders out of their way. This enables Via’s system to transport a high volume of passengers while using a fraction of the number of vehicles utilized by taxis or on-demand car services. By grouping multiple passengers into a single shared vehicle, Via reduces congestion and emissions, providing an inexpensive, eco-friendly, and convenient transportation alternative.