Transit agencies nationwide are diligently seeking creative solutions to ensure their customers enjoy the full benefits of a car-less existence. To this end, several agencies, including the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), have begun partnering with ride-sharing services to enhance the travel experience of our riders.
The partnership MARTA formed with Uber last year enabled us to enrich the connection our customers have to their daily lives. When customers want to reach their final destination after they have arrived at one of our 38 rail stations, it’s as easy as 1. logging onto our On The Go app, 2. clicking the Uber link and 3. choosing a time to be picked up.
MARTA’s GM/CEO Keith Parker understands the value in these types of collaborations, especially when they serve as an added benefit for our customers.
Uber is especially helpful in providing necessary connections to and from MARTA rail stations, but Uber provides service at times when transit is not operating as frequently, such as on the weekends or late at night.
We believe that ride-sharing services, coupled with MARTA, can help our customers move about the city cost-effectively and conveniently.
At the national level, last month the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) published a multi-agency report that highlighted industry trends that underscored the value-added customers found in public transit agencies partnering with ride-sharing services.
APTA’s report indicated that the more citizens use services such as Uber and Lyft, the more likely they are to use public transit, which makes this a win-win for everyone. Ride-sharing services are being viewed as a necessary supplemental service that is not in direct competition with the service MARTA and other agencies provide.
These services are a benefit to our customers, especially to locations where our service is not as robust as we’d like it to be.
We know that it’s not always convenient for our riders to walk any distance when they are tired, have kids in tow or don’t want to be in the elements. Because of this, we are even more committed to providing solutions that give our customers the ability to seamlessly manage their lives.
We see tremendous potential for creating unique value for our customers in two fundamental ways. First, MARTA will continue to integrate our services with ride-sharing opportunities that help our customers, who are our first priority. Second, MARTA will also continue exploring partnerships to provide in-fill coverage within our service area to provide new mobility options to those who currently are not within close proximity to MARTA services, all while lowering our overall cost per trip.
Benjamin Limmer, AICP, Assistant General Manager, Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Atlanta, GA.
