SAM On Demand expands to include weekday service, bringing low-cost shared rides to the entire city (including the airport!)

August 12, 2024 (SIOUX FALLS, S.D.) — Sioux Area Metro and Via are proud to announce that starting August 12, SAM On Demand will expand to serve the entire city of Sioux Falls, including the airport, on weekdays. This decision brings weekday public transit coverage to an estimated 110,000 more residents in Sioux Falls. 

Everyone receives their first ten SAM On Demand rides for free. Riders can book a SAM On Demand ride through the new “SAM Transit” app (available in the App Store and Google Play), by calling 605-367-7151, or by using the online web portal at https://samtransit.app.ridewithvia.com/. 

The expansion of SAM On Demand is part of the City of Sioux Falls’ and new transit provider Via’s bold “SAM Reimagined” plan. In addition to expanded On Demand service, the City and Via have been working closely together to strategize exciting upgrades to the fixed-route bus network, which will be officially implemented in September. 

“Via’s data-driven approach to public transit has dramatically improved the rider experience for our residents and demonstrated positive results in the short time we have partnered with them to operate Sioux Area Metro,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Expanding SAM On Demand will give more community members access to public transit, and we look forward to seeing the impact this will have in all corners of our city.”  

How does SAM On Demand work?

The app’s intelligent algorithms match riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle – creating quick, efficient shared trips. The SAM Transit app will provide riders with the most efficient trip to their destination which may include a connection to a fixed route bus to complete their journey.

More about Via SAM On Demand: 

• Hours of operation: Monday - Friday 5:45 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. and Saturday 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. In September, extended hours will be announced. 
• Pricing: $1.50 per ride. Children under 5 ride free with an adult. Youth under 18 ride free with a valid school ID or Freedom Pass. SAM On Demand rides are included in any daily, weekly, or monthly SAM passes. 
• Payment: Pay by app or phone with a credit or debit card, use the Token Transit app, or give exact cash on board (no change given). Cash vouchers are available for purchase at downtown bus depot or Lewis Pharmacy.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available.

For more information about SAM and SAM On Demand, please visit: https://city.ridewithvia.com/sam-ondemand

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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.