Case Studies SmaRT Ride: The Largest Microtransit Service in North America

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	SmaRT Ride: The Largest Microtransit Service in North America

SmaRT Ride: The Largest Microtransit Service in North America

Technology Category	Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS) Networks & Connectivity - Cellular
Applicable Industries	Cities & Municipalities Transportation
Applicable Functions	Business Operation Logistics & Transportation
Use Cases	Fleet Management Public Transportation Management Remote Asset Management Smart City Operations
Services	Software Design & Engineering Services System Integration Training
Challenge	In January 2020, the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) partnered with Via to re-launch and expand their SmaRT Ride Microtransit Service, an on-demand transit service for Sacramento residents. The Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) awarded SacRT a $12 million grant to help expand microtransit to communities throughout the region. SmaRT Ride was previously powered by Transloc across two zones. With nine zones, SmaRT Ride is now the largest microtransit system in the United States. Read More
About Customer	The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is a public transportation service provider in Sacramento, California. SacRT operates bus, light rail, and microtransit services to serve the commuting and travel needs of Sacramento residents. The organization aims to provide efficient, reliable, and accessible public transportation options to enhance the quality of life for the community. SacRT has a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, continually seeking to improve and expand its services to meet the evolving needs of its riders. With the launch of the SmaRT Ride Microtransit Service, SacRT has positioned itself as a leader in on-demand public transportation, offering flexible and convenient travel options for a diverse range of passengers, including commuters, residents, visitors, seniors, and students. Read More
Solution	Via and SacRT launched an expanded service — growing the service from two zones to nine — using Via’s microtransit technology and significantly increasing access to SmaRT Ride across the Sacramento metropolitan area. The fleet includes 43 shuttle buses, equipped to accommodate people with disabilities. Riders can book a ride through the SmaRT Ride app (iOS and Android) or by phone. The cost to ride is only $2.50 per trip, $1.25 for those eligible for discount fare (seniors and persons with disabilities) or free for youth with the RydeFreeRT sticker or pass. Riders can also use their SacRT monthly pass. Groups of five or more are free; all riders must travel in a group of five or more from the same pick-up location to the same destination. With Via, SacRT provides residents an unparalleled level of access to more convenient and comfortable public transportation, with SmaRT Ride also acting as a link to existing transit hubs. SmaRT Ride provides curb-to-curb service in two zones and corner-to-corner service in six zones. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Analytics & Modeling - Real Time Analytics

Functional Applications - Fleet Management Systems (FMS)

Networks & Connectivity - Cellular

Applicable Industries

Cities & Municipalities

Transportation

Applicable Functions

Business Operation

Logistics & Transportation

Use Cases

Fleet Management

Public Transportation Management

Remote Asset Management

Smart City Operations

Services

Software Design & Engineering Services

System Integration

Training

Challenge

In January 2020, the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) partnered with Via to re-launch and expand their SmaRT Ride Microtransit Service, an on-demand transit service for Sacramento residents. The Sacramento Transportation Authority (STA) awarded SacRT a $12 million grant to help expand microtransit to communities throughout the region. SmaRT Ride was previously powered by Transloc across two zones. With nine zones, SmaRT Ride is now the largest microtransit system in the United States.

About Customer

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is a public transportation service provider in Sacramento, California. SacRT operates bus, light rail, and microtransit services to serve the commuting and travel needs of Sacramento residents. The organization aims to provide efficient, reliable, and accessible public transportation options to enhance the quality of life for the community. SacRT has a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, continually seeking to improve and expand its services to meet the evolving needs of its riders. With the launch of the SmaRT Ride Microtransit Service, SacRT has positioned itself as a leader in on-demand public transportation, offering flexible and convenient travel options for a diverse range of passengers, including commuters, residents, visitors, seniors, and students.

Solution

Via and SacRT launched an expanded service — growing the service from two zones to nine — using Via’s microtransit technology and significantly increasing access to SmaRT Ride across the Sacramento metropolitan area. The fleet includes 43 shuttle buses, equipped to accommodate people with disabilities. Riders can book a ride through the SmaRT Ride app (iOS and Android) or by phone. The cost to ride is only $2.50 per trip, $1.25 for those eligible for discount fare (seniors and persons with disabilities) or free for youth with the RydeFreeRT sticker or pass. Riders can also use their SacRT monthly pass. Groups of five or more are free; all riders must travel in a group of five or more from the same pick-up location to the same destination. With Via, SacRT provides residents an unparalleled level of access to more convenient and comfortable public transportation, with SmaRT Ride also acting as a link to existing transit hubs. SmaRT Ride provides curb-to-curb service in two zones and corner-to-corner service in six zones.

Impact #1	Since launch, the service has provided more than 120,000 rides and maintained a 4.8 out of five star rating from customers.
Impact #2	In addition to impressive ridership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Via has worked with SacRT to adapt service to challenges posed by the public health crisis — expanding to three new zones to provide improved access to food and other essential goods and services.
Impact #3	The service has significantly increased access to public transportation for Sacramento residents, offering a more convenient and comfortable travel option.

Impact #1

Since launch, the service has provided more than 120,000 rides and maintained a 4.8 out of five star rating from customers.

Impact #2

In addition to impressive ridership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Via has worked with SacRT to adapt service to challenges posed by the public health crisis — expanding to three new zones to provide improved access to food and other essential goods and services.

Impact #3

The service has significantly increased access to public transportation for Sacramento residents, offering a more convenient and comfortable travel option.

Benefit #1	28% of trips connect to other modes of public transportation.
Benefit #2	Service zone covers approximately 116 square miles across nine zones.
Benefit #3	Fleet size includes 42 vehicles, with 9 electric vehicles (EVs).

Benefit #1

28% of trips connect to other modes of public transportation.

Benefit #2

Service zone covers approximately 116 square miles across nine zones.

Benefit #3

Fleet size includes 42 vehicles, with 9 electric vehicles (EVs).

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Overview

SmaRT Ride: The Largest Microtransit Service in North America

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit