SacRT, TransLoc to expand microtransit pilot project
The agency implemented the first phase of SmaRT Ride in February and its resounding success was the catalyst for service expansion beginning sooner than anticipated on Monday, April 23.
Using TransLōc’s free Microtransit app, the software creates a flexible route for bus operators to follow as they pick up and drop off passengers on smaller, neighborhood-friendly sized buses.
SacRT
2 min to read
Using TransLōc’s free Microtransit app, the software creates a flexible route for bus operators to follow as they pick up and drop off passengers on smaller, neighborhood-friendly sized buses.
SacRT
After the successful debut of SmaRT Ride in Citrus Heights, the Sacramento Regional Transit District’s (SacRT) new on-demand microtransit service will be expanded to serve two more communities with a connection to the Historic Folsom light rail station.
Also, due to increased requests, the service hours will be expanded an additional three hours to operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. SacRT implemented the first phase of SmaRT Ride in February and its resounding success was the catalyst for service expansion beginning sooner than anticipated on Monday, April 23.
SmaRT Ride is similar to other ride-share services where customers can use a smartphone app to request a ride that will pick up and drop off passengers wherever they wish to travel within the service boundaries. Using TransLōc’s free Microtransit app, the software creates a flexible route for bus operators to follow as they pick up and drop off passengers on smaller, neighborhood-friendly sized buses. This is one of several pioneering efforts that will likely transform the way public transit is delivered locally and throughout the nation in the years to come.
“We doubled our ridership in the first month of the pilot project so we know that SmaRT Ride is a viable solution to serve our customers who may not have easy access to fixed-route service,” said SacRT GM/CEO Henry Li. “We are excited to begin phase two of this innovative service.”
SacRT is looking to secure funding to expand SmaRT Ride service into additional areas in the Sacramento region after phase 2 of the pilot is complete.
Following a ride request, the Microtransit app will provide passengers with an estimated pick-up time, track their bus in real-time, and be alerted when their ride is about to arrive.
SacRT
Following a ride request, the Microtransit app will provide passengers with an estimated pick-up time, track their bus in real-time, and be alerted when their ride is about to arrive. Passengers will also be alerted when their ride is about to reach their desired destination.
The cost to ride SmaRT Ride is only $2.75 per trip, $1.35 for those eligible for discount fare (seniors, students, and persons with disabilities). All SacRT fare media is accepted, including single ride tickets, daily and monthly passes, smart card (Connect Card), mobile fare app (ZipPass), and cash. The low-cost makes this service much more affordable than a traditional ride-hailing service, which could cost riders more than five times the amount.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.
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.
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.
