April 10, 2024 (SIOUX FALLS, S.D.) — Starting April 15, Sioux Area Metro’s on-demand, app-based public transit program, Via SAM On Demand, will become available every weekday in Southeast Sioux Falls, in addition to the existing citywide Saturday service.
The decision to expand Via SAM On Demand signifies the next phase of the City of Sioux Falls’ commitment to make public transit more rider-centric, efficient, and accessible. The City has been implementing this vision since it chose TransitTech provider Via to take over SAM’s operations and technology in January.
Riders can book a Via SAM On Demand ride through the new “SAM Transit” app (available in the App Store and Google Play) or by calling 605-367-7151. 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.
The Southeast Sioux Falls zone was chosen as the first area to extend hours due to its need for increased transit access. As a result of the expansion, more than 40,000 citizens will gain access to approximately 12,500 jobs within Southeast Sioux Falls.
Since Via and Sioux Falls’ partnership commenced on January 1, the SAM network has seen growing ridership and strong operational performance. Via SAM On Demand ridership is up 25% compared to last year, and more than 80% of total rides were booked in the app. The SAM bus has maintained a disruption-free service record in 2024, and is also achieving increased ridership.
"The City of Sioux Falls is strategically working to modernize how we help our residents and visitors to get where they need to go every day, and Via offers that accessible, user-friendly, and affordable micro-transit system people have come to expect,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Via will expand access to locations throughout our City - and the weekday micro-transit expansion is just the start."
In months ahead, Via and the City remain committed to gradually reimagine transit in Sioux Falls; residents in other areas of Sioux Falls can expect exciting SAM-related updates later this year.
For more information about SAM and Via 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.