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4 ways mayors can transform cities with microtransit

Every $1 invested in transit generates $5 in returns for cities. Learn how mayors can use microtransit to maximize job access, equity, and infrastructure.

Elspeth Green •
Mayor Steven Fulop and Director of Infrastructure Barkha Patel deliver impactful transit in Jersey City with Via.

All across the country, from Jersey City to Birmingham to Cupertino, we’ve had the privilege of working directly with city governments to launch game-changing transit systems. Transit is the connective tissue that supports strong cities — but all too often, mayors, council members, and city managers have felt disconnected from decision-making. Now, tech-enabled options are empowering city leaders to take transit into their own hands. With the right tools, they’re solving cities’ most pressing challenges: economic development, social equity, and long-term livability within a context of explosive population growth and aging infrastructure. 

On-demand microtransit comes when riders need it — for a regular commute, or a last-minute trip to the grocery store — all for the price of a standard bus ticket. The tech groups passengers into shared rides whenever possible, keeping the cost to the city in check. With no prior experience managing transit, city leadership can get services off the ground in weeks, and adjust the service in response to changing demand going forward. Microtransit can step in to solve nearly any mobility need: getting passengers to commuter rail stations, alleviating food deserts, fostering independence for riders with disabilities, and bringing jobs, education, and healthcare in reach of all. 

Launch fast and make an impact. Learn how below. 

Job access. Better transit means that people can access more jobs within a reasonable commute — and employers can draw employees from a wider area. 40% more jobs are accessible on average in Via-powered U.S. services.

Boost the local economy.
Improve job access, shorten commutes, and attract investment to your innovative city. 

Equity. For citizens who don't drive — because they can't afford a car, or can't drive one due to age or disability — viable puyblic transit is required to access housing, groceries, healthcare, and education. 66% more schools are accessible on average in Viu-powered U.S. services.

Level the playing field.
Alleviate food deserts, raise health outcomes, and bring education within reach.

Car-free living. Even for those who can afford them, private cars are expensive — and associated traffic congestion and parking-centric development is detrimental to city life. In Miami-Dade County, Via-powered microtransit led to a 77% reduction in hours spent in traffic.

Build a more livable city.
Clear the streets of traffic jams and stop worrying about parking. For good. 

Launch fast. Our city partners set the goals, budget, and performance expectations — and Via takes care of the service plan, funding strategy, and day-to-day management of drivers and vehicles. It takes as little as 6-8 weeks to launch a new service with Via.

Own your infrastructure. 
Deliver mobility where it's needed, at your pace and within your budget.

Still not convinced? Hear from 5 mayors who have upgraded transit in their cities with Via.

 

Elspeth Green avatar
Elspeth Green

Via Resource Editor