Via Launches ‘Ride On Flex’ On-Demand Transit in Partnership with MCDOT
‘Ride on Flex’ is one of a number of Via’s on-demand microtransit projects in the greater Washington DC region
June 26, 2019 (Montgomery County, MD) — Via, the world’s leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, today announced a new microtransit deployment in partnership with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), a leading Maryland public transit provider. Starting June 26, the new on-demand network called Ride on Flex will provide residents with an innovative, low-cost public transportation solution.
During the pilot program, Flex will provide corner-to-corner service in defined zones in the Rockville and Glenmont/Wheaton areas, primarily as a first- and last-mile solution surrounding some of the region’s most popular commuter train stations. MCDOT’s standard fare policy will also apply to the new service, meaning riders will pay no more than $2 as they board. Plus, the 11-passenger Flex buses are wheelchair accessible and offer free WiFi.
“Via is thrilled to partner with MCDOT to provide residents with a convenient, affordable, and congestion-reducing transportation alternative,” said Daniel Ramot, CEO and co-founder of Via. “Via’s powerful passenger matching and vehicle routing algorithm will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. This technology makes for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.”
Using the app, riders will be able to hail a shuttle directly from their smartphone. Via’s advanced algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the vehicle. The powerful technology will direct passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules.
“Our goal for Flex is to reshape the way residents think about getting around in the served Glenmont/Wheaton and Rockville zones,” said MCDOT Director Roshdieh. “In Glenmont/Wheaton, we hope to see residents using Flex to fill first mile/last mile gaps in their daily commute. In Rockville, the service lends itself more toward daytime errands and trips. Residents’ experiences, and the feedback they provide on the different spans of service in the two zones, will help us gather vital information about how they use this new service and point us toward the direction of future growth.”
Ride on Flex will operate Monday through Friday in the Rockville zone from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and in the Glenmont/Wheaton zone during peak periods (6-9 a.m. and 3:30-7 p.m.). The zones offer connections between households, transit hubs, commercial centers and public services.
Commuters can use the service by downloading the Ride On Flex smartphone app powered by Via, available on iOS and Android. Users can book rides within the Rockville zone and Glenmont/Wheaton zone highlighted within the app.
Via is a leading provider and developer of on-demand public mobility solutions, working with cities and transportation agencies around the world to connect more people to transit. Cooee Busways is among numerous other deployments powered by Via around the globe that make it easier for commuters who do not own a car, prefer not to drive and park, or live within a long distance of a transit hub.
Via has been tapped by cities and transportation players around the world to help re-engineer public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via now has more than 70 launched and pending deployments in more than 15 countries. To learn more about Via, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.
About Via
Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform operates in the United States and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to power cutting-edge on-demand mobility. For more information, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.