Canada’s Niagara Region Transit is partnering with Via to launch a new on-demand transit service in West Niagara. “NRT OnDemand” will provide residents with an affordable, efficient, and convenient public transit option in Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln, Wainfleet. and Pelham.

NRT OnDemand is a dynamic shared transit solution for residents in the predominantly rural areas of West Niagara. NRT OnDemand will be the first form of public transit in much of the region and will provide connections to the transit hubs at the St. Catharines Bus Terminal, Welland Bus Terminal, and Port Colborne City Hall.

Riders in Grimsby, Lincoln, and Pelham will be able to book a shared ride for local trips within their municipality as well as inter-municipal trips. Riders in Wainfleet and West Lincoln, will be able to book a shared ride for inter-municipal trips, but not within their individual municipality. Connections to-or-from nearby transit hubs will be available to facilitate access to fixed line transit options with the touch of a button.

NRT OnDemand creates a seamless transit solution for West Niagara and firmly establishes an exceptional partnership between the region and local municipalities to deliver West Niagara residents with innovative and cost-effective transit solutions that meets their individual needs, replacing local fixed-route service with a dynamic on-demand solution.

Using the NRT OnDemand mobile app, or by phone for riders without access to a smartphone, passengers will select a pickup and drop-off location within the service zone and confirm their ride. Once a ride is booked, Via’s advanced technology matches multiple passengers headed in the same direction into one of 10 high-capacity vehicles and directs passengers to a nearby corner, or “virtual bus stop.” Via’s technology routes vehicles in real-time, minimizing detours by using virtual bus stops to reduce congestion and emissions, while providing an efficient rider experience.