Case Study
Via Metro STL
St. Louis, MO, USA
Suburban
Urban
Microtransit
326k+
rides since 2020 launch
50%
depend on the service to get to essential services and schools
38%
increase in rides per vehicle hour
Overview
Persistent driver shortages and limited fixed-route bus coverage strained mobility in some communities where public transit was a lifeline for many St. Louis residents. These transportation hurdles left public transit-dependent St. Louisans with fewer affordable and convenient options to get to important destinations when they needed to.
Solution
In June 2020, St. Louis’s transit agency, Metro, moved forward with ambitious goals to bring an innovative transit solution to the city. Metro teamed up with Via to introduce an on-demand public transit option called Via Metro STL. Operating in three separate zones at $2/ride, the service runs on a flexible schedule based on when and where riders book a trip. A key product feature: Via’s software allows integration with Metro’s Transit app, making it even easier for riders to get to work, essential services, and connect to transit centers.
Results
For its role in modernizing and expanding the city's transit network, St. Louis Magazine recognized the service as a notable part of the “10 bold solutions to move St. Louis forward”. Its early success was a clear sign that riders also valued the service — within its first month alone, Via Metro STL served 1.3k rides. A 2022 rider survey showed that most riders use Via Metro STL to commute to/from work, while 50% depend on the service to get to medical care and schools. Via Metro STL’s efficiency steadily improved, serving more and more riders over time. From April 2022 to April 2023 the service achieved a 38% jump in riders per vehicle hour.
With their board’s approval, Metro has increased their budget 3X since launch to support growing demand and continue helping residents take advantage of all the city has to offer.
There aren’t buses where I live, so I would have to walk 6 miles to get on a bus to get to work 20 miles away. It saves me a lot of walking. I don’t think I would keep my job without it.
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