Via Case Studies TARTA Flex: A Microtransit Solution Boosting Ridership and Reducing Emissions

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	TARTA Flex: A Microtransit Solution Boosting Ridership and Reducing Emissions Via

TARTA Flex: A Microtransit Solution Boosting Ridership and Reducing Emissions

Via

Technology Category	Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Middleware, SDKs & Libraries
Applicable Industries	Telecommunications Transportation
Applicable Functions	Procurement
Use Cases	Public Transportation Management Transportation Simulation
Services	System Integration
Challenge	The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) was faced with the challenge of introducing a flexible, sustainable transit option to supplement its fixed-route network and enhance regional connectivity. The goal was to replace the agency’s legacy Call-A-Ride services with a more efficient and user-friendly system. As a member of NEORide’s consortium of over 20 midwest agencies, TARTA had the opportunity to leverage the organization's procurement vehicle to quickly access necessary software and launch support. However, the challenge was to deploy an on-demand service within a short span of 12 weeks. Read More
About Customer	The customer in this case study is the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), a public transportation agency serving the Toledo, Ohio area. TARTA sought to introduce a flexible, sustainable transit option to augment its fixed-route network and expand regional connectivity. As a member of NEORide’s consortium of 20+ midwest agencies, TARTA was able to tap into the organization's procurement vehicle and quickly access Via’s software and launch support to deploy an on-demand service in just 12 weeks. Read More
Solution	TARTA partnered with Via to launch a microtransit service called TARTA Flex in January 2023. The service was powered by Via’s proprietary algorithms, which dynamically routed the fleet within three separate zones based on rider demand. Riders could book their on-demand and pre-scheduled rides through a mobile app, by phone, or web portal. The service zones were designed to cover areas that fixed-route lines did not reach, and riders aged 65 and above were given access to an extended service area. To ensure seamless integration with the larger transit system, Via’s software facilitated integration with EZFare, a familiar payment system that allowed riders to use a single app across different modes of transportation. TARTA Flex riders were also given the option to transfer to fixed-route lines for free. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Technology Category

Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Middleware, SDKs & Libraries

Applicable Industries

Telecommunications

Transportation

Applicable Functions

Procurement

Use Cases

Public Transportation Management

Transportation Simulation

Services

System Integration

Challenge

The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) was faced with the challenge of introducing a flexible, sustainable transit option to supplement its fixed-route network and enhance regional connectivity. The goal was to replace the agency’s legacy Call-A-Ride services with a more efficient and user-friendly system. As a member of NEORide’s consortium of over 20 midwest agencies, TARTA had the opportunity to leverage the organization's procurement vehicle to quickly access necessary software and launch support. However, the challenge was to deploy an on-demand service within a short span of 12 weeks.

About Customer

The customer in this case study is the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), a public transportation agency serving the Toledo, Ohio area. TARTA sought to introduce a flexible, sustainable transit option to augment its fixed-route network and expand regional connectivity. As a member of NEORide’s consortium of 20+ midwest agencies, TARTA was able to tap into the organization's procurement vehicle and quickly access Via’s software and launch support to deploy an on-demand service in just 12 weeks.

Solution

TARTA partnered with Via to launch a microtransit service called TARTA Flex in January 2023. The service was powered by Via’s proprietary algorithms, which dynamically routed the fleet within three separate zones based on rider demand. Riders could book their on-demand and pre-scheduled rides through a mobile app, by phone, or web portal. The service zones were designed to cover areas that fixed-route lines did not reach, and riders aged 65 and above were given access to an extended service area. To ensure seamless integration with the larger transit system, Via’s software facilitated integration with EZFare, a familiar payment system that allowed riders to use a single app across different modes of transportation. TARTA Flex riders were also given the option to transfer to fixed-route lines for free.

Impact #1	The launch of TARTA Flex has been a resounding success, with a significant increase in ridership since its inception. The service has been well-received by riders, earning a high rating of 4.9 out of 5. This indicates a high level of customer satisfaction and acceptance of the new service. Moreover, the service has had a notable socioeconomic impact, enabling access to a significantly higher number of jobs in the service area within a 30-minute commute. The reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger mile also underscores the environmental sustainability of the service.

Impact #1

The launch of TARTA Flex has been a resounding success, with a significant increase in ridership since its inception. The service has been well-received by riders, earning a high rating of 4.9 out of 5. This indicates a high level of customer satisfaction and acceptance of the new service. Moreover, the service has had a notable socioeconomic impact, enabling access to a significantly higher number of jobs in the service area within a 30-minute commute. The reduction in CO2 emissions per passenger mile also underscores the environmental sustainability of the service.

Benefit #1	47% increase in ridership since launch in January 2023
Benefit #2	97.5% more jobs available within 30 minutes
Benefit #3	20% decrease in CO2 emissions per passenger mile

Benefit #1

47% increase in ridership since launch in January 2023

Benefit #2

97.5% more jobs available within 30 minutes

Benefit #3

20% decrease in CO2 emissions per passenger mile

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Overview

TARTA Flex: A Microtransit Solution Boosting Ridership and Reducing Emissions

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit