Creating transit efficiencies: 7 proven concepts for reducing costs

An overview.

Budgets are tight, expectations are high, and agencies are being asked to do more with less. In this 20-minute webinar, Sarasota County and Via unpack seven proven strategies for reducing costs while improving service — that can be deployed in a matter of months or weeks, not years.

Keep reading for a preview of the seven strategies. Want the full efficiency playbook? Watch the webinar on-demand, or set up time to chat with our team.

1. Upgrade legacy paratransit software to maximize productivity of every hour of ADA service

Modern technology helps every operator hour go further. Trinity Metro’s switch to new software led to a 13% jump in overall efficiency, 20% fewer phone calls, and an 86% reduction in trips over 90 minutes — proof that smarter tools create smoother service.

2. Commingle demand response fleets to streamline operations and maximize fleet efficiency

Uniting paratransit and microtransit onto the same software platform and fleet creates more flexibility for staff and riders. Not only that, but it allows agencies to shift riders from high cost ADA rides to lower cost modes. This was certainly the case for Metro St. Louis who commingled its fleets, lowering cost per ride by $25 and saving $1M per year.

3. Broker highest-cost-to-serve trips to a dedicated, FTA-compliant overflow fleet

Peak demand doesn’t have to mean peak spending. A dedicated overflow fleet makes it possible to meet paratransit demand affordably—without sacrificing compliance.  NJ Transit adopted this model and was able to complete over 33,000 trips with a 98% OTP, and reduce costs by 60%. Finding a provider who can provide FTA-compliant service also protects rider safety and ensures rides can be reported to the NTD. 

4. Augment underperforming fixed route with on-demand service

Low-ridership routes can be reimagined to provide greater value. Sarasota County replaced their underperforming fixed routes with Breeze On Demand, a commingled microtransit service that gives riders more convenient connections while focusing resources where they deliver the most impact. The County also encouraged paratransit riders — previously served by a costly service — to use Breeze On Demand. The result: a 50% improvement in cost efficiency per ride and $700,000 in annual savings.

5. Create more staff time by automating manual, repetitive workflows

Why burn hours on tasks a platform can do in minutes? Automated scheduling saves staff time in two ways: by eliminating manual trip assignments and by finding the most efficient shift plans that humans might overlook. The result: fewer scheduler hours required and fewer driver hours needed to deliver the same service. For example, by using Remix,  Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority reduced driver-hour needs enough to save an estimated $1.3M in operating costs.

6. Re-think existing operational models and service design to maximize every operator hour

Efficiency often comes from reimagining the basics. By adopting AI-powered planning and a hub-and-spoke depot model, LA Metro reduced cost per ride by 12% and grew ridership by 20% — proving that operational efficiency and ridership growth can go hand in hand.

7. Create intermodal connectivity to improve coverage cost-effectively

When every mode works together, the whole system wins. Sioux Falls redesigned its network to integrate buses, microtransit, and paratransit, delivering an 86% efficiency boost in demand-response, 10% more fixed-route riders, and an 18% decrease in cost per ride.

About the speakers.

Dan Berkovits

SVP Strategy, Via

As SVP of Strategy, Dan helps cities turn big transit ideas into real-world solutions. With a background in law, infrastructure, and disaster recovery, Dan brings sharp strategy and deep public-sector experience to the challenge of building more connected, accessible mobility networks.

Rob Bryans

Strategy and Partnerships Principal, Via

As Strategy and Partnerships Principal at Via, Rob draws on his decades of public transit experience in the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK to advise local authorities, transport authorities, and private operators on public transit innovation. 

Seth Kling

Paratransit and Transit Services Manager, Sarasota County

Seth is the driving force behind Sarasota County’s paratransit and microtransit programs, ensuring efficient, reliable service for the community’s most vulnerable riders. With years of experience managing ADA and transportation-disadvantaged services, he’s delivered cost savings, expanded access, and set a standard for modern, rider-focused transit.