Edmonton's On Demand Transit reaches one million rides
The Via-powered on-demand service is working to advance transit equity in the Edmonton community.
December 14, 2023 (EDMONTON, CANADA) — On November 22, Edmonton’s On Demand Transit service reached a significant milestone by delivering its 1-millionth ride. Since launching in April 2021, this service has been helping riders in neighbourhoods across the city reach their destinations.
“This exciting milestone reinforces the positive impact that On Demand Transit has had for our riders,” said Carrie Hotton-MacDonald, Branch Manager, Edmonton Transit Service (ETS). “ This service provides another layer to our integrated transit network and helps connect riders in every corner of the city to school, work, healthcare appointments, recreational activities and everything in between.”
On Demand Transit is ETS’ “first-kilometre/last-kilometre” transit solution in over 50 communities in Edmonton, providing vital, right-sized transit service to areas that do not meet ridership thresholds for conventional bus service or other areas where it is difficult to operate conventional buses.
“I’m particularly proud of how On Demand Transit has furthered our efforts to support equity seeking groups in our communities,” said Hotton-MacDonald. “For example, almost half of the On Demand Transit riders are under the age of 24, 73 per cent do not have a personal vehicle and 58 per cent identify as Indigenous, Black or a person of colour. In addition, more women use the service than other gender identities.”
Riders can book rides within On Demand Transit service areas online, through a smartphone app, the website, or by calling the On Demand Transit call centre. Riders are picked up and dropped off at a designated location in their neighbourhood or a transit hub. An On Demand Transit shuttle bus, operated by a professional trained driver, then takes the most direct route to the destination.
The On Demand Transit fleet, which consists of 56 buses, is accessible for riders with limited mobility. It’s the largest ODT program in Canada and a first to include child-friendly seats. In total, On Demand Transit services 61 communities, 19 seniors residences and 15 transit centres.
Edmonton On Demand Transit is provided by Via, the global leader in TransitTech. More than 650 communities around the world use Via’s platform and operations to power their transportation services, including in the Niagara Region, York Region Transit, and Durham Region Transit, all some of Canada’s largest on-demand public transit programs.