RICHMOND, CA (April 18, 2022) — On April 25, the City of Richmond and Via, the global leader in TransitTech, will officially launch Richmond Moves, the city’s first on-demand public shuttle service, expanding access to efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation in our communities, particularly in neighborhoods that are underserved by other mobility options.
Richmond Moves’ goal is to fill access gaps in our transportation ecosystem, which has historically lacked intra-city transit options and been challenged by heavily polluted air. The service will enable residents to easily connect with key transit hubs — such as Amtrak and BART stations and the Ferry Terminal — without a private car. To underscore our commitment to sustainability, the fleet will include all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, reducing energy consumption.
Richmond Moves will be powered by Via, the global leader in TransitTech. Via’s intelligent algorithm allows riders to book an on-demand ride to a nearby transit hub, and then directs them to a “virtual bus stop” within a short walking distance. Riders enjoy quick, efficient shared trips that provide more flexibility than traditional transportation options with fixed routes and schedules.
Richmond Moves is funded by the Clean Mobility Options (CMO) Voucher Pilot Program and 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. CMO is administered by CALSTART, Shared-Use Mobility Center, and Local Government Commission.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Richmond to launch an electric, on-demand transportation service. Richmond Moves is designed to provide access to opportunities for the community while expanding use of existing public transit,” said Dillon Twombly, Chief Revenue Officer at Via. “Tech-enabled, sustainable, and equitable networks like this are the future of public transit.”
“Connecting people to where they need to go, in an environmentally responsible manner, has long been a high priority for the City of Richmond and my office,” said Mayor Tom Butt. “Whether folks are visiting our beautiful parks or historic neighborhoods, traveling to BART or the Ferry Terminal, or engaging with other community members at the Richmond Civic Center, we want to make that as accessible and affordable as possible – and this is a step in the right direction.”
All are invited to the Drive Electric Earth Day Event and Richmond Moves Shuttle Launch on Wednesday, April 20, from 11:30 am to 1 pm in front of City Hall, 450 Civic Center Plaza.
Rides will be able to be booked with the free Richmond Moves app or by calling 510-937-3657. The service will operate Monday - Friday from 7 am – 7 pm. Rides will cost $2 and will be free for students and seniors. For more information, visit https://ridewithvia.com/richmondmoves/.
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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 500 communities in more than 35 countries around the world.
About the City of Richmond
The City of Richmond is committed to implementing clean transportation strategies and increasing transportation equity in Richmond’s SB 535 designated Disadvantaged Communities. The Richmond Transportation department is primarily responsible for implementing programs that align with the Council adopted First Mile Last Mile Strategic plan, the Climate Action Plan as well as other State and regional plans and policies to enhance Richmond’s transportation network and to improve the environment through the reduction of local greenhouse gas emissions.
About Clean Mobility Options
CMO is part of 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, particularly in disadvantaged communities. In this case, the funding provides zero-emission shared mobility options to under-resourced communities in California. CMO funding is available throughout California to eligible disadvantaged communities, as well as eligible tribal governments and affordable housing in low-income communities, to increase access to safe, reliable, convenient, and affordable transportation options. For eligibility, application information, and to contact the technical assistance team, visit www.cleanmobilityoptions.org.