Latest addition brings groups total network to 57 companies throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Michelangelo, with operating authorities in Ariz., Nevada and Calif., operates a fleet of some 200 vehicles from terminals in Torrance, Calif., San Diego, Las Vegas, Sedona, Ariz., and Phoenix.
Goals of the "Ladders of Opportunity" pilot were to build and restore transportation connections, develop workforce capacity, and catalyze neighborhood revitalization in Atlanta; Baltimore; Baton Rouge, La.; Charlotte, N.C.; Indianapolis; Phoenix; and Richmond, Va.
Surveys conducted between 2003 and 2016 show the number of student car commuters who drove alone fell to 25% from 75%, while staff and faculty drive-alone commutes dropped from 59% to 53%.
Riders can now buy weekly, monthly, and visitor passes with just a few taps on their mobile devices. During the 30-day beta testing period, users will receive one free upgrade for any fare purchase.
The effort by the transit agency comes on the heels of September’s accident, which killed one person standing on a platform and injured more than 100 others. It was later revealed the engineer in that crash suffered from sleep apnea, a fatigue-inducing disorder.
Funds will be distributed through the United Way to local organizations in need.