New on-demand service launches from Community Transit and SFMTA

Community Transit and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) have each launched new on-demand service options to improve access to transportation options within their respective communities.  

Community Transit  

Community Transit will be offering its new Zip Shuttle to residents in Arlington, Darrington and Lake Stevens, Wash., as a part of its new on-demand pilot program. Zip-branded vehicles will start road-testing early in December with a target launch date set for later in the month. 

The rideshare service allows anyone to book a ride within a specified zone for the same cost as bus fare. The pilot has received positive feedback from the Lynnwood community where it has been in operation for two years and is now a regular service. Pending a successful testing period in early December, the Zip pilot projects are targeted to roll out in the three new cities on Dec. 17. 

“Zip Shuttle gives you the freedom to get a ride when you need one,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. “You can easily travel for a low cost to and from transit connections. You can also travel directly to and from local destinations of your choice. It’s a game changer for getting around your community.” 

Zip Shuttle riders can book rides using a smartphone app or by calling from any phone. The service will allow them to travel anywhere they want within a defined service area in each city. Zip riders pay $2.50 or less, just as they would on a local bus. Riders 18 and younger are free. Riders pay with ORCA cards, ORCA LIFT or credit/debit cards. Cash is accepted and exact change is required. After taking a Zip trip with an ORCA card, transfers to local buses or a second Zip trip are free within two hours. 

Zip is safe and accessible to people riding with mobility devices, like wheelchairs and walkers. Zip vehicles have ramps and drivers are trained to assist riders of all abilities. Zip also offers bike racks and child car seats for use while aboard the service. 

Zip Shuttle is part of Community Transit’s long-range plan to expand on-demand and other innovative services to help meet people where they are, introduce them to public transportation and offer easy, affordable transit options. Community Transit partnered closely with residents in Arlington, Darrington and Lake Stevens to design the service and tailor it to each community. During the 12-18-month pilot project, Community Transit will gather feedback to further improve and optimize the service for each city. 

SFMTA 

The new Bayview Shuttle was launched by the SFMTA on Nov. 12. The new on-demand service gives the public access to another transportation option, within minutes of booking. 

The shuttle pilot program will work to improve connections within Bayview Hunter’s Point and to the broader city with a focus on the Bayview as part of SFMTA’s ongoing commitment to equity in this area. SFMTA says this program will also help to correct decades of underinvestment resulting from structural and institutional racism. 

Aspects of the program include:  

• The Bayview Shuttle is funded through a California Air Resources Board grant and is operated by Via.   
• The shuttle service is designed to be accessible for everyone with wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Customers can request this option through their user profile. 
• The app or Bayview Shuttle Customer Care line offers an opportunity for riders to ask agents questions, with accommodating language options inEnglish, Spanish, Cantonese and Filipino. 
• For the first month, until Dec. 11, 2024, all rides on this service with be free. After that, no matter the destination, type of vehicle, or service (door-to-door compared to corner-to-corner), the price is equal to the typical fare on Muni. 
• Riders will have the chance to pay on board using fare readers through the following methods: 
  • Clipper Card 
  • MuniMobile app  
  • Transit pass registered on the Bayview Shuttle app 

The pilot shuttle program stems from the community-based transportation plan published by the SFMTA in 2020. The pilot shuttle program is funded until March 2026. SFMTA staff will look for opportunities to extend the service.