Meet Lynn Bohlen, a 20-year transit operations veteran working as a paratransit scheduler with Sioux Area Metro (SAM) in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Scheduling was so taxing with SAM’s previous vendor that Lynn began looking for another job — until SAM transitioned to Via. “I think it’s a lot more efficient, I really do. I think it’s great,” says Lynn after the transition. “I hit optimize, and it scheduled every ride.”
Adopting Via's paratransit tech doesn’t just make Lynn’s job easier; it’s boosting operational efficiency across the board. Since the change, Sioux Falls has seen a 41% increase in vehicle utilization (measured by passengers per operational hour) over the past year. Riders benefit, too. Paratransit riders can now book and manage their rides independently, saving them time and reducing the need for phone calls.
The move to Via also allowed SAM to offer paratransit expanded travel options. ADA riders can also use the city’s fully accessible on-demand microtransit service to book last-minute trips. This makes the entire transit network truly equitable.
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Ready to join Lynn and others who have switched to Via and have rediscovered the joy in helping their community move? We’d love to chat!
