Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA), the Downtown Memphis Commission, and the Memphis Medical District Collaborative is partnering with Via to launch a new on-demand transit service for the region.

The new service, called Groove On-Demand, will expand access to affordable and convenient public transit for riders in the greater Downtown Memphis area, including the Medical District and New Chicago. Service will begin on Feb. 10.

Using the Groove On-Demand mobile app, powered by technology from Via, riders will be able to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone, and can travel to any location within the service area during operating hours. Groove On-Demand is a shared ride service, and Via’s advanced algorithms match multiple passengers headed in the same direction to provide quick and efficient shared trips, without lengthy detours or inconvenient schedules.

At the time of launch and until otherwise communicated, vehicles and bookings will be limited to a capacity of three riders to allow for in-vehicle social distancing. Once a ride is booked, passengers are directed to their exact pickup spot, and they can see the real-time location of their vehicle, the driver’s name, and other information to help them spot their ride.

The on-demand service will be available in the service zone from Monday through Friday. Rides are similar to the cost of a bus trip, and cost $1.25, with additional passengers at $0.75 each. Concessions for seniors, students, and riders with disabilities are $0.50 per ride. To ensure accessibility for all riders, Groove On-Demand will also include wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and an available booking option for those without a smartphone.

Learn more about Groove On-Demand.