METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

San Joaquin RTD, National Express and Ecolane launch mobility-on-demand program

Every “RTD Van Go!” vehicle is wheelchair accessible and “RTD Van Go!” drivers are trained, licensed, and fully prepared to help with accessibility needs.

October 8, 2018
San Joaquin RTD, National Express and Ecolane launch mobility-on-demand program

The on-demand mobility ride-share service helps all area residents travel with ease throughout Northern San Joaquin County in California.

1 min to read


The on-demand mobility ride-share service helps all area residents travel with ease throughout Northern San Joaquin County in California.

In partnership with National Express, Ecolane released its first instance of mobility-on-demand (MOD) that services riders with and without disabilities for San Joaquin’s Regional Transit District (RTD) through the new pilot program “RTD Van Go!”

The service is 100% rider-controlled through a convenient app that they can download, self-register, schedule payment with a credit card, and book trips. The “RTD Van Go!” app is available on both Apple and Android platforms.

Ad Loading...

The on-demand mobility ride-share service helps all area residents travel with ease throughout Northern San Joaquin County in California. Every “RTD Van Go!” vehicle is wheelchair accessible and “RTD Van Go!” drivers are trained, licensed, and fully prepared to help with accessibility needs.

“Tailor-made trips are a click or call away with RTD Van Go!,” said RTD CEO Donna DeMartino. “Residents start where they are and go where they want — fast. This connected service combines vans and free transfers to fixed-route buses to continue longer trips. Unlike some other transportation options, RTD Van Go! will even pick up passengers in rural San Joaquin County.”

At launch, the operational area for the service covers Northern San Joaquin County only with further expansion planned in January 2019. Six vehicles for the RTD Van Go! fleet are available during the initial pilot phase, extending to 14 vehicles in January when the service is introduced countywide.

More New Mobility

A Merchants Fleet driver putting gas in a vehicle with text reading "6 Transit Management Lessons For Colleges and Universities."
New MobilityJune 15, 2026

6 Transit Management Lessons for Colleges and Universities Facing Seasonal Demand Swings

College transportation demand swings wildly throughout the year. Fleet strategies are starting to catch up.

Read More →
Driving Change Through Technology
Technologyby Alex RomanJune 12, 2026

METROspectives: CharterUP CEO Armir Harris on Modernizing Mobility

From digital transformation to evolving customer demands, CharterUP's CEO Armir Harris offers his perspective on the transportation industry's next chapter.

Read More →
New MobilityJune 5, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, Joshua Schank discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
frontrunner bus image
SponsoredJune 1, 2026

Low-Floor vs. High-Floor Cutaway vs. Modified Van: How 3 Accessible Minibus Designs Compare

As transit demands evolve, so should your fleet. Download the whitepaper to see how the Low-Floor Frontrunner Minibus compares to traditional options.

Read More →
METROspectives episode with Joshua Schank
Technologyby Alex RomanMay 29, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, the co-author of New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies, discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
Biz Briefs for May 29, 2026

Biz Briefs: Foothill Gold Line Award, Matawan Contract, and More

From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Find out all the latest here.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An EMBARK bus going down the street.
Managementby Alex RomanMay 28, 2026

Inside Look: EMBARK Expands Fare-Free Transit Program Through New Public-Private Partnership

The OKC transit agency says sponsorship helps subsidize the Third Friday Free initiative while reducing barriers for first-time riders and boosting ridership across buses, streetcars, and river cruises.

Read More →
thumbnail for 2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory
SponsoredMay 27, 2026

2026 METRO Buyer’s Guide & Directory

Searching for the right vehicles, technology, equipment, or services for your public transit or motorcoach operation? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers from across the transportation market — all in one place. Download it to connect with the companies that help agencies and operators improve mobility, enhance operations, and move their organizations forward.

Read More →
A Heliox charger on KC Metro property

King County Test Heliox Chargers, Keolis Lands California Contract Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Trinity Metro On Demand Vehicle
Technologyby StaffMay 19, 2026

Via Announces Scheduling and Supply Studio

The Scheduling and Supply Studio provides the world’s first fully integrated platform for optimizing vehicle and driver availability to rider demand, said company officials.

Read More →