January 13, 2020 (SACRAMENTO, CA) — Via, the world’s leader in public mobility solutions, today announced a new public transportation deployment in partnership with the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT). The service is now the largest on-demand microtransit system in America with 42 vehicles.
Called SmaRT Ride, the new on-demand shared transit network officially launched to the public on January 6, serving nine zones throughout Sacramento, CA. The city now provides residents an unparalleled level of access to more convenient and comfortable public transportation, with SmaRT Ride also acting as a link to existing transit hubs.
“We are thrilled to partner with our innovative friends at SacRT to bring Via’s technology to Sacramento,” said Daniel Ramot, co-founder and CEO of Via. “The all-new SmaRT Ride service is now the largest on-demand microtransit project in the United States, making it an excellent example of how public transportation and technology can work together to make a city smarter.”
Using the all-new SmaRT Ride app (iOS and Android), riders will be able to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone. Riders will also just as easily be able to book a ride by calling 916-556-0100. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. The powerful technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.
The SmaRT Ride program first launched in February 2018 and, due to its popularity and success, is growing across the city to bring dynamic shared transportation to even more residents. The City of Sacramento tapped Via to power the new service starting in 2020, updating the existing SmaRT Ride system, and bringing new functionality for riders.
“We have seen great success with our other SmaRT Ride zones and we are excited to be able to provide this innovative mobility option to more communities,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “This expansion is a huge milestone for SacRT as we continue to explore new transit options and improve access and mobility for our riders.”
The service relies on small, neighborhood-friendly shuttle buses to easily maneuver on residential streets, and the vehicles are equipped to accommodate people with disabilities. SmaRT Ride now services zones in Citrus Heights, Franklin-South Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Arden, Carmichael, Downtown-Midtown-East Sacramento, Gerber-Calvine, Folsom, and North Sacramento.
“SacRT is truly embracing the future of mobility by providing a more comfortable, convenient, and affordable way to move around their community,” said Sacramento Board Chair and SacRT Board Chair Patrick Kennedy.
The cost to ride is only $2.50 per trip, $1.25 for those eligible for discount fare (seniors and persons with disabilities) or free for youth with the RydeFreeRT sticker or pass. Riders can also use their SacRT monthly pass. Groups of five or more are free; all riders must travel in a group of five or more from the same pick-up location to the same destination.
The new SmaRT Ride service is provided through Measure A funding. SacRT was awarded with a $12 million grant by the Sacramento Transportation Authority to help expand microtransit into new communities throughout the region.
As part of the SmaRT Ride expansion, SacRT also rolled out six electric SmaRT Ride shuttles in the Downtown-Midtown-East Sacramento service area. In the next six months, three additional electric SmaRT Ride shuttles will be operating in the Franklin-South Sacramento zone. Those three shuttles are being provided by Electrify America.
Via is a leading provider and developer of on-demand shared mobility solutions, working with cities and transportation agencies around the world to connect more people to transit. Via has partnered with some of the world’s largest public transit agencies to solve pressing transportation needs including the neighboring city of West Sacramento, the Los Angeles Metro, Transport for London (TfL), and Sydney’s Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW).
Via now powers the largest microtransit system in America with SacRT, as well as the largest such deployment in the world in partnership with the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) in Berlin, Germany.
About Via
Via is reimagining how the world moves, from regulated systems with rigid routes and schedules to fully dynamic networks. Via's mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in 2013, Via’s technology is now deployed globally, including in Europe as ViaVan. Today Via and ViaVan partner with nearly 100 public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, school districts, and universities, seamlessly integrating with transportation infrastructure to power cutting-edge mobility. For more information, visit ridewithvia.com.