Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT) in Trumbull, Ct., Sioux Area Metro (SAM) in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) in Boone, Campbell and Kenton counties have each made changes to their on-demand and microtransit services to better suit the needs of their community.
GBT
GBT has launched GBT Connect, its pilot microtransit program within the town of Trumbull, Ct. The two-year pilot program will offer affordable ride sharing services within Trumbull, helping residents, patrons and local workforce reach their destinations.
The service will help to fill existing gaps in the public transit system and may prove helpful with employee acquisition and retention. Users can download the app, request a ride and a vehicle will pick them up and take them to their destination within town for $4. The service is available seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
SAM
SAM has expanded its SAM On Demand services to include the entire city of Sioux Falls in partnership with Via Transportation, which will now include transit options to and from the airport on weekdays. This decision brings weekday public transit coverage to an estimated 110,000 more residents in Sioux Falls.
Riders will receive their first 10 SAM On Demand rides for free and can book a SAM On Demand ride through the new “SAM Transit” app.
The expansion of SAM On Demand is part of the city of Sioux Falls’ and new transit provider Via’s “SAM Reimagined” plan. In addition to expanded on demand service, the city and Via have been working to strategize upgrades to the fixed-route bus network, which will be officially implemented in September.
“Via’s data-driven approach to public transit has dramatically improved the rider experience for our residents and demonstrated positive results in the short time we have partnered with them to operate Sioux Area Metro,” said Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken. “Expanding SAM On Demand will give more community members access to public transit and we look forward to seeing the impact this will have in all corners of our city.”
The app’s algorithms matches riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle – creating quick, efficient shared trips. The SAM Transit app will provide riders with the most efficient trip to their destination which may include a connection to a fixed route bus to complete their journey.
TANK
The agency launched its new microtransit service, TANK Plus, to the northern Kentucky community on Aug. 13 with a ribbon cutting event at the Campbell County Senior Center.
TANK Plus is a curb-to-curb, on-demand transit option, operating within a designated zone, or to connect to the TANK fixed route network for travel outside of the zone. The service will help to provide transit in areas of low-density that do not have access to fixed route bus service.
The agency has introduced this service model in Campbell County as a year-long pilot to provide critical mobility to medical facilities, access to school and basic necessities like fresh food and groceries for many Campbell County residents.
“In recent years, we’ve seen significant changes in how our residents live and travel, with many seniors choosing to stay in their homes longer but facing challenges with driving,” said Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery. “TANK Plus addresses these challenges by offering on-demand, curb-to-curb service that connects residents in Newport, Southgate, Cold Spring, Highland Heights, Melbourne and Silver Grove to vital services such as grocery stores, medical facilities and more, ensuring they have the mobility they need.”
Transit needs have changed in recent years and using an on-demand service model to meet mobility needs is something TANK is looking into to adapt to community needs.
“We are excited to be able to bring transit service to communities that have not, in some cases, had public transit services in more than a decade said TANK General Manager Gina Douthat. "TANK is focusing resources in a new way with TANK Plus, providing direct, affordable, on-demand transit right to the communities and people that need it.”
The TANK Board of Directors is looking to test new service models and exploring ways to better use technology to provide services.
“The TANK Board remains steadfast in its dedication to serving those in our community who need our services most. Microtransit represents our solution for reaching individuals in Campbell County areas where fixed transit routes aren’t viable due to low density,” said Gina Rittinger, chair of the TANK Board of Directors. “We are eager to see how this pilot program benefits our community.”
