Neighborhood nonprofits and Via operate pilot program for on-demand transit service to bridge communities
Feb. 14, 2025 (SAN DIEGO, CA) – North Park Main Street (NPMS) and City Heights Community Development Corporation (City Heights CDC) have launched Mid-City GO, a free shuttle program that will offer rides within City Heights and North Park communities. The service, which started Feb. 3, is operated by TransitTech provider Via during the four-year pilot program to provide on-demand rides for residents, visitors and businesses within the service area. The program is projected to provide 75,000 annual rides and reduce 450,000 miles traveled by single occupancy vehicles.
"Bringing a shuttle service to the Mid-City region is not just about transportation,” said Mark West, Executive Director of NPMS. “It is about restoring connection and access. The numerous highways that bisect these communities have created physical and social barriers, making it harder for residents to reach vital services, jobs, businesses and even loved ones. This shuttle is a step toward reconnecting our communities, providing safe, reliable transit that acknowledges the unique challenges residents and businesses face. North Park Main Street is committed to helping these neighborhoods regain accessibility and mobility, fostering resilience and unity as we build toward a more equitable future.”
Mid-City GO will use an initial fleet of two electric vehicles to offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional transportation, which improves access to schools, healthcare facilities and transit hubs such as the City Heights Transit Plaza connection along University Avenue. Using community outreach combined with data, the nonprofit organizations determined needs to improve access to resources and reduce congestion.
“Mid-City GO offers a clear example of the strong connections we’ve built with our residents,” said Alexis Villanueva, Chief Executive Officer of City Heights CDC. “These relationships have helped us identify gaps in our transportation system and adapt to meet the needs of our community. This project will give residents in City Heights and North Park more opportunities to connect to jobs, resources, and places to enjoy in both neighborhoods. We’re always looking for ways to bridge last-mile gaps that make it harder for individuals and families to access everything our community has to offer. Mid-City GO is one of many solutions we’re working on to improve quality of life for everyone.”
This pilot program is an innovative example of community organizations collaborating to create accessible and sustainable transportation solutions. Mid-City GO received support from Mayor Todd Gloria, District 9 Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera and District 3 Councilmember Stephen Whitburn.
Managed by Via, the pilot program includes the Via San Diego mobile app for ride requests (available in the App Store and Google Play) and a dispatch center to call 619-413-9986 to reserve a ride.
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The program is funded by a $1.5 million award from the Clean Mobility Options (CMO) Voucher Pilot Program, with additional support from the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program. CMO is a statewide initiative that provides funding for zero-emission shared mobility options to under-resourced communities in California. CMO, which is a California Air Resources Board project, is available throughout California to all eligible disadvantaged and low-income communities and tribal governments, to increase access to safe, reliable, convenient, and affordable transportation options. For more information, visit cleanmobilityoptions.org.
This funding is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The project is also supported by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, which is investing more than $1 billion to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission transportation infrastructure, in-state manufacturing, and workforce training.
For more information on Mid-City GO, visit MidCityGO.com.
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About California Climate Investments | California Climate Investments is 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 North Park Main Street | North Park Main Street is a 501(c)(6) organization that manages the North Park Business Improvement District and North Park Special Enhancement District. NPMS’s primary mission is to promote and enhance the economic, cultural, and social vitality of North Park. For more information, visit northparkmainstreet.com.
About City Heights Community Development Corporation | Instrumental to the culturally diverse San Diego neighborhood of City Heights, City Heights Community Development Corporation (City Heights CDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1981. Dedicated to positive change, City Heights CDC works closely with the City Heights community on multiple fronts, with core areas including economic development, affordable housing and transportation & planning. For more information, visit CityHeightsCDC.org.
About Via | Founded in 2012, Via pioneered the TransitTech category by using new technologies to develop public mobility systems — optimizing networks of buses, shuttles, wheelchair accessible vehicles, school buses, autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicles around the globe. Building the world’s most efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation network for all riders — including those with limited mobility, those without smartphones, and unbanked populations — Via works with its partners to lower the costs of public transit while providing transportation options that rival the convenience of a personal car while reducing the environmental impact. At the intersection of transportation and technology, Via is a visionary market leader that combines software innovation with sophisticated service design and operational expertise to fundamentally improve the way the world moves, providing technology in 700 communities and more than 35 countries and counting.
Media Contacts
City Heights CDC: Olivia Stafford / Mariah Almasco, Olivia@jwalcher.com, Mariah@jwalcher.com, 619-295-7140
North Park Main Street: info@northparkmainstreet.com, 619-294-2501
Via: Sara-Jessica Dilks, sarajessica@ridewithvia.com