Skip to content

Calexico, California launches sustainable microtransit service using plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in partnership with Via

‍January 25, 2023 (CALEXICO, CALIFORNIA) — Imperial County Transportation Commission in Calexico, California is proud to announce the launch of “Calexico On Demand,” a new zero-emission public transportation service in partnership with Via, the global leader in TransitTech. 

Calexico On Demand, which launched Jan. 9, is a tech-enabled microtransit service designed to expand access to flexible, equitable mobility for seniors, and low-income, and youth populations, in the Calexico area — a border town historically challenged by poor air quality. The service is made possible through a nearly $1 million grant from the Clean Mobility Options (CMO) Voucher Pilot Program, which seeks to introduce safe, sustainable transportation to under-resourced communities in California.

Calexico On Demand allows anyone in the service zone to book an on-demand shared ride through an app or by calling a phone number. The service is powered by Via’s software, which uses intelligent algorithms to match riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle for quick, efficient trips — providing more flexible coverage than fixed-route bus lines. 

The Calexico On Demand fleet consists of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles designed to reduce emissions, and a shared ride model that should minimize single-occupancy car trips. 

“This program will create new opportunities for our residents to thrive,” said David Aguirre, Executive Director for the Imperial County Transportation Commission which serves Calexico. “Clean, flexible transit options can enhance access to jobs and increase quality of life for our residents and visitors. We are happy to see the State of California investing in programs like this and communities like ours.”

“Via is immensely proud to serve as the TransitTech provider for Calexico On Demand, which marks our second Clean Mobility Option-funded microtransit service in California,” said Krista Glotzbach, Via’s West Coast Partnerships Lead. “We couldn’t be more excited to see how our software and shared ride model will create a more sustainable, flexible, and equitable transportation ecosystem in Calexico.” 

Service details: 

  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • Fares: $2 per ride for the general public, or $1 for seniors and people with disabilities. Note: All rides are free until Feb. 9, 2023. ‍

How to ride: 

  • Download the “Calexico On Demand” app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the sign-up steps.‍ Enter pickup and drop-off addresses in the app. 
  • Riders will receive an ETA from their driver and can follow along in real time in the app to see when and where to meet the driver. 
  • Phone booking: Regular rides can be requested by calling 760-350-3414. Riders needing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle can request a ride by calling 760-337-1760.

Calexico On Demand’s CMO grant funding is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative putting billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and the program is administered by CALSTART, Shared-Use Mobility Center, and CivicWell. For eligibility requirements, application information, and to contact the technical support team, visit: www.cleanmobilityoptions.org. 

###

Imperial County Transportation Commission

The mission of the Imperial County Transportation Commission’s public transit system is to improve the quality of life for the residents of the Imperial Valley through a coordinated, accessible, affordable, and efficient countywide transit system. The transit network provides a safe, affordable, and reliable transit system that meets the needs of the transit dependent communities within the Imperial Valley, by providing access to health care, education, public services, employment, commercial and recreational activities.

About Clean Mobility Options

The Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program is a statewide initiative that provides funding for zero-emission shared mobility options to under-resourced communities in California. CMO is available throughout California to eligible disadvantaged and low-income communities, as well as eligible tribal governments, to increase access to safe, reliable, convenient and affordable transportation options. For eligibility requirements, application information and to contact the technical assistance team, please visit: www.cleanmobilityoptions.org.

CMO is funded by California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment—particularly in underserved communities.

About Via

Via builds innovative software to enable our customers — cities, transit agencies, transport operators, school districts, universities and corporations — to transform their legacy transportation systems into advanced digital networks. As pioneers of the TransitTech category, Via’s mission is to expand access to efficient, affordable and sustainable transportation. Via’s software enables organizations to digitize their existing transportation networks and launch new and innovative services, simultaneously lowering operating costs and increasing quality of service. Our software is used in over 600 communities in more than 35 countries around the world.