Microtransit updates from GTrans, Metropolitan Council, Pueblo Transit

GTrans, the public transit agency serving the city of Gardena, Calif., the Metropolitan Council (Met Council) and Pueblo Transit have launched new on-demand microtransit services to better serve their respective communities.  

GTrans 

GTrans is working to improve rider flexibility and reduce emissions with the launch of its new on-demand ride service, “Bolt Powered by GTrans”. According to GTrans, Bolt provides safe, efficient and short-distance on-demand transportation service within Gardena city limits, as well as specialized inter-city paratransit service. Passengers can travel throughout Gardena using predetermined physical and virtual stops, all within walking distance of their pick-up and drop-off locations.  

GTrans notes registered seniors and paratransit riders will also be able to take advantage of curb-to-curb service for added convenience. All vehicles are equipped to be ADA-compliant, providing safe and accessible transportation for individuals requiring specialized mobility 

According to GTrans, Bolt integrates with its existing bus network and offers specialized paratransit service to Gardena, the city of Hawthorne, Calif., and the incorporated areas of Los Angeles County, Del Aire and Alondra Park. 

“Bolt represents years of careful planning and innovation,” said GTrans Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo. “This concept was in development for over two years, evolving from an idea to reality. Similar on-demand transit services have been implemented in other cities, and we’ve taken inspiration from their successes to create a program tailored to Gardena’s needs”.  

Gardena City Manager Clint Osorio added, “The launch of Bolt Powered by GTrans is an important step forward in enhancing mobility for our residents and visitors. This service helps meet the diverse needs of our community while supporting sustainable, eco-friendly travel options.”  

Crespo also emphasized the importance of community feedback, stating, “We will continue to refine the Bolt service based on input from the community, ensuring it remains a responsive and dependable option for everyone who uses it.”  

The project was partially funded by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee , highlighting the collaborative effort to improving air quality and reducing transportation emissions. 

Met Council 

Met Council has expanded the on-demand shared ride service provided by Metro Transit to better serve areas in Woodbury and Roseville, Minn. 

“Metro micro is part of our mission to connect people, strengthen communities and improve lives through high-quality public transportation,” said Metro Transit General Manager Lesley Kandaras. 

Met Council notes Metro micro customers request rides through an app that shows estimated arrival times and accepts fare payments. Trips must begin and end within designated Metro micro zones.  

According to Met Council, Metro micro provides direct access to several key destinations, including schools, universities and community centers, along with healthcare facilities, shopping centers and local businesses. The new service will also help to connect riders with transit hubs like the Rosedale Transit Center, where riders can transfer to the METRO A Line and other routes. Metro micro will also strengthen connections to the METRO Gold Line, which is set to open in March 2025. 

Met Council notes rides can be requested between 5:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and between 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. on weekends. Fares range from $1 to $3.25 and allow riders to transfer to regular route transit at no additional cost. 

“The service is vital for seniors and others who can’t drive,” said Woodbury Mayor Anne Burt. “We look forward to Metro micro’s success in our region.” 

Met Council says the expansion of Metro micro is part of a broader plan to adapt and improve transit service to meet the region's changing needs in the coming years. Metro Transit's draft service improvement plan, Network Now, will be adopted this spring by the Met Council. The plan calls for bringing Metro micro to eight suburban areas, along with expanded service on more than 65 bus routes and increased light-rail service, among other changes. 

“Metro micro is about more than just getting from one place to another,” said Metro Transit Director of Service Development Adam Harrington. “It’s about connecting communities, improving access to important services and providing equitable transportation solutions where they are most needed.” 

Pueblo Transit 

In partnership with Commute with Enterprise, Pueblo Transit is launching a new vanpooling service to make transit more accessible and efficient. 

The agency is using federal funding to further reduce the expenses of this service. Pueblo Transit received grant funding from Colorado Department of Transportation Multi-Modal Option Program Funds to operate the vanpool program through Dec. 31, 2026. 

“This is an exciting opportunity for Pueblo Transit to expand our footprint offering vanpool commuting options for the business community,” said Pueblo Transit Director Ben Valdez. “This is a new offering of transportation outside of our fixed route transit and Citi-Lift services we currently provide. In 2024 and looking ahead this year, we have continually looked for ways to better serve our community, and we know this vanpool and commuter option will greatly enhance the airport industrial park, the business community and how the workforce utilizes Pueblo Transit for their needs.” 

Pueblo Transit notes participants can choose a qualifying vanpool vehicle from a selection of Commute with Enterprise makes and models, including crossovers, SUVs, minivans and large passenger vans. According to the agency, each vanpool rider pays a portion of the total cost, which covers all expenses such as gas, insurance, maintenance and repairs. Commute with Enterprise also provides 24-hour roadside assistance.