Meet Lynn Bohlen, a 20-year transit operations veteran working as a paratransit scheduler in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Scheduling was so taxing with Sioux Area Metro (SAM)’s previous vendor that Lynn began looking for another job — until SAM made the switch 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.”
In January 2024, the City of Sioux Falls partnered with Via as operator and technology provider to Sioux Area Metro (SAM), the largest public transit agency in the state. With a tech-forward, rider-centric approach, Sioux Falls has revamped its entire transit network, starting with an expansion of SAM On Demand, the city’s microtransit service.
In October, the city formally launched SAM Reimagined, a transit overhaul plan aimed at expanding transit coverage from 45% to 100% of Sioux Falls residents. The plan improves bus routes for more direct trips, easier transfers, and shorter wait times, while extending on-demand service citywide. SAM Reimagined is also a game-changer for paratransit riders, who now have a new self-service app that streamlines booking and ride management. Additionally, tech-powered paratransit schedules and operation have improved fleet use, increasing vehicle utilization by 24%.
- 📖 Read: New on-demand transit service wins over Sioux Falls community
- 📹 Watch: Sioux Falls Mayor shares the story of a rider who saw the immediate impact the city’s improved public transit network
“Transitions are tough,” Lynn says. “But with Via, we seemed to walk right through it.”
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Data Journalist
