Illinois Quad Cities public transit provider MetroLINK announced the launch of a new on-demand microtransit service for the Village of Milan.

Similar to ride-hailing services, Microtransit uses a smartphone app for riders to schedule customized Microtransit trips. The 12-passenger wheelchair-accessible van travels throughout the Village of Milan, picking up passengers and dropping them off wherever they wish to travel within the defined service area of Milan.

The service is designed to accommodate neighborhood trips, and supplement fixed-route service provided to Milan. Connections to fixed-route will be available along scheduled routes, with primary connections points at Hy-Vee and the Milan Post Office for riders wishing to continue their trip outside the Village of Milan.

The new pilot program will be implemented in partnership with TransLoc. To use the new ride-share program, passengers must first download the free Microtransit by TransLoc app to their smartphone. Using the rider’s geographic location, users can request a ride, and the Microtransit app will provide passengers with an estimated pick-up time. Users will be able to track their ride in real-time, and receive notifications when their ride is about to reach their desired location.

Microtransit users can also request same-day rides by calling the service number.
The cost to use microtransit is the same as a fixed-route fare of $1.00 for adults, and discounted rates for honored citizens and students. Metro prepaid bus tickets and punch cards will also be accepted on the new service.

This pilot project will run through January 3, 2020. At the conclusion of the pilot, MetroLINK will evaluate the program and determine the project’s continuation.