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Winchester, VA launches WinReady On Demand, the city’s first publicly operated rideshare service

The launch signifies Via's ninth tech-enabled transit service in Virginia, which continues to demonstrate itself as a state dedicated to innovative mobility

March 27, 2024 (WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA) — On March 25, the City of Winchester launched "WinReady On Demand," a free, publicly operated point-to-point rideshare service. With WinReady On Demand, Winchester community members can request a ride from any location in the City to a destination within City limits in about 30 minutes. 

WinReady On Demand is an example of microtransit, an innovative, demand-based approach to public transit management. Through WinReady On Demand, the City will be able to more effectively allocate transit resources to where they are needed, while making it easier for residents to get to work, school, and shopping on time, on their schedule. 

In addition to WinReady On Demand, the City operates a fixed bus route, the "Loop Route." Schedules, the map, and additional information about the Loop Route or the WinReady On Demand service can be found at https://www.winchesterva.gov/Services-Payments/Public-Transit. The City’s current bus route servicing Laurel Ridge Community College, and service to the Veterans’ Administration clinic in Kernstown will not be changed.  

To use WinReady On Demand, customers can book a ride through the WinReady app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play Store. Customers can call 540-667-2230 to book a ride or ask questions about the new service. WinReady On Demand is presently a free service, although the City may reinstitute low fares for WinReady On Demand and other public transit services in July 2024.  

WinReady On Demand is powered by Via, a global leader in transit technology. Through the WinReady On Demand app, Via uses intelligent algorithms to match multiple riders headed in the same direction to provide quick and efficient shared trips, with more flexibility than traditional public transit. 

How to use WinReady On Demand:

Follow these quick and easy steps, and you'll be on board in no time! Riders without a smartphone can book a ride by calling 540-667-2230. 

  1. Create an account. Download the WinReady On Demand app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the simple signup steps. 
  2. Book a ride. Enter your pickup and drop-off addresses. Choose the ride that works for you by tapping Book This Ride. (Be sure to tap the Wheelchair icon if you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle!)
  3. Meet your driver. Check the app to find out exactly where to meet the vehicle, which may be a short walk from the address you entered.

Service Details:

  •     Price: Free 
  •     Service hours:
    • Monday-Friday: 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
    • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

More information about WinReady On Demand can be found at: https://www.winchesterva.gov/Services-Payments/Public-Transit

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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 passengers — 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 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.