Tyler Transit, Houston Metro, SacRT to launch microtransit projects in 2025

Tyler Transit, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (Houston Metro) and the Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) are all launching microtransit projects in 2025. 

Tyler Transit 

Starting Jan. 13, 2025, Tyler Transit is transforming its existing fixed-route service into a microtransit service. New payment methods are being rolled out as well. According to the agency, riders will be able to book a ride by phone from the bus stop or through the Tyler Transit app. 

When the service launches, all Tyler Transit bus stops will be used as pick-up locations for riders. The ride will take them directly to the doorstep of a destination within sight of the closest bus stop on any existing route.  

Tyler Transit notes the microtransit service will be split into three zones, with two drivers per zone. According to the agency, if a passenger's destination is in a different zone from where they are picked up, they will be taken to Stop 400 near the Bergfeld Center and Fire Station 7, where a driver will be waiting or arriving shortly to complete the trip.  

"Moving away from a fixed-route service allows us to make purposefully driven trips that will reduce passengers' wait times and time spent on a bus," said Tyler Transit Manager Russ Jackson. "This change will allow our drivers to use flexible routing to avoid heavy traffic while still taking riders to their destination."  

In May 2024, Tyler Transit launched a pilot on-demand microtransit route for South Tyler and, in June, transitioned the Campus Connector route to a microtransit service as well.   

"Once we switched to microtransit, we saw around the same number of passengers, but we cut down on fuel and mileage on both routes," Jackson said. "We've received positive feedback from riders on these pilot routes."  

The agency says microtransit rides can be booked Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The cost for the on-demand service will be $1 per bus ride, unless a pass has been purchased.   

Houston Metro 

The agency is expanding its microtransit partnership with the city of Houston and Evolve Houston to include service in Second Ward, Third Ward and downtown Houston. 

Houston Metro notes the service features small, electric vehicles designed for short-distance routes, offering eco-friendly and convenient transportation options where distance, inclement weather, hazardous crossings or other mobility challenges have kept people from reaching traditional bus and rail services. Customers can easily track shuttles, view service maps and check operating hours through the Ride Circuit app. 

“Microtransit is a proven solution to get more people where they need to go safely and efficiently,” said City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “Connected communities are safer communities and bringing microtransit to Houston builds on my promise for smart, fiscally-sound infrastructure growth.” 

According to the agency, the shuttles operate within a designated zone to connect riders to essential destinations, including Houston Metro transit centers, bus stops, rail stations, grocery stores and medical facilities. The service has already made a positive impact in zones of Houston's Second and Third Wards. 

"Integrating microtransit into [Houston] Metro’s public transit system demonstrates a commitment to finding innovative solutions that meet our customers where they are," said Houston Metro Board Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock. "This on-demand service provides a flexible, easier way to reach [Houston] Metro buses and rail lines and will grow ridership by solving the first and last mile challenges that have hindered people’s ability to choose [Houston] Metro.” 

The agency says the expansion is part of the METRONow plan, a multifaced initiative focused on ridership growth, sustainability and quality of life enhancements to foster a robust transit culture across the Houston region. 

“Our microtransit service is a game-changer for connecting people and we are thrilled to launch it in downtown Houston,” said Evolve Executive Director Casey Brown. “The all-electric, on-demand service complements [Houston] Metro's existing fixed-route systems while offering a new solution for short trips. This launch marks an important milestone for our service and we look forward to introducing additional zones in the new year, improving access to public transit and local destinations." 

SacRT 

SacRT has soft launched its new shared-use mobility program, SacRT Flex, a limited subsidized neighborhood shuttle service for a limited group of qualified riders, including seniors (age 62-plus), low-income individuals and persons with disabilities.   

The new program, operated by Via, will officially start service on Jan. 2, 2025. During the soft launch phase, eligible riders are invited to test the new service and familiarize themselves with its features.  

“This new program, although not a replacement for SmaRT Ride, ensures that we continue to meet the mobility needs of our community while maintaining fiscal responsibility and optimizing resources,” said SacRT General Manager and CEO Henry Li. “We are excited to introduce a program that prioritizes accessibility and convenience for those who need it most.” 

SaCRT notes that for the SacRT Flex program, Via manages the app, schedules the trips, maintains the vehicles, provides the drivers and collects the fare revenue – ensuring a seamless experience for riders. SacRT Flex is being funded by Measure A as a pilot for the next 18 months. Measure A is a Sacramento County, Calif., program that funds transportation projects and services through a half-cent sales tax.   

According to the agency, SacRT Flex will operate Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (excluding most holidays) in the same nine zones as SmaRT Ride. Rides must be booked at least 24 hours in advance (up to two days in advance) using Via’s SacRT Flex app or by phone. Same day requests are not available at this time. The cost is $2.50 per trip for eligible riders and adult companions; free for children riding with parents.  

To ride the service, individuals must first complete an eligibility process. Applications can be submitted online. Via’s SacRT Flex app is also available to download on Google Play and the App Store.    

SacRT notes SmaRT Ride service will continue to operate through Dec. 31, 2024. The agency says the decision to end SmaRT Ride and add the limited SacRT Flex program was driven by a commitment to fiscal sustainability and service efficiency. According to SacRT, while SmaRT Ride provided a valuable service since its inception as a pilot program in 2018, its annual operating costs significantly exceeded available funding.