On-demand transit service updates from Bradford West Gwillimbury, Douglas County, New Haven

Bradford West Gwillimbury (BWG), Ontario, Douglas County, Colo., and New Haven, Conn., have each added new on-demand transit services to improve access to transit and connectivity for their ridership community. 

BWG rolls out new on-demand transit system 

BWG is rolling out its new on-demand transit system in partnership with Argo Corporation. This new transit system works to provide residents with an easy-to-use app that allows them to request a ride near their door for a standard transit fare. The new service utilizes Argo’s smart routes technology to dynamically add stops based on rider demand. Argo’s transit services will begin rolling out gradually to residents, replacing BWG's existing fixed bus routes in the coming months. 

"This is a landmark day for Bradford West Gwillimbury," said BWG Mayor James Leduc. "Being the first community worldwide to deploy Argo's vertically integrated smart routing transit solution demonstrates our leadership in innovation and our commitment to improving residents' quality of life." 

Argo's vertically integrated transit solution is powered by Argo X1 electric vehicles, intelligent Smart Routing™ software and comprehensive operational management in a single end-to-end system. The new BWG deployment features: 

Smart Routing™: Intelligent routing that dynamically optimizes smart stops based on real-time data, significantly improving service efficiency and rider experience. 

Argo X1 Vehicle: Purpose-built accessible electric vehicles by Karsan featuring Argo's proprietary vertical integration hardware enabling Smart Routing™ for efficiency and real-time adaptability in urban environments. 

Comprehensive operational management: Argo's end-to-end operational solution ensures municipalities can effortlessly deploy and scale advanced transit solutions, simplifying complex logistics. 

"Today's launch in Bradford West Gwillimbury represents the debut of a new category of urban mobility," said Argo Co-founder and CEO Praveen Arichandran.. "Together with BWG Council and regional partners, we’re showcasing Canadian innovation on a global stage, delivering a transit model that connects people to opportunity and sets a standard for cities worldwide."  

BWG says this new on-demand service will provide its residents with easier access to jobs, education, healthcare and the community, with overall increased accessibility to support seniors, those with disabilities and underserved populations. This service will also create better connections to transit stops, creating a more convenient alternative to private car usage, driving people into transit systems and out of private cars.  

Phased rollout in BWG 

BWG says its residents will begin seeing the Argo vehicles in service immediately as part of a staged rollout plan. Existing fixed bus routes will continue to be fully operational during the phased roll out. According to BWG, early access will be available to regular passengers of the fixed-route buses. Argo staff will be on these buses, generally during the peak hours, to explain the on-demand service and to assist riders with downloading and setting up the app.  

Douglas County to provide microtransit services within Highlands Ranch 

The Board of Douglas County Commissioners  approved a $2.9 million contract with Via Transportation Inc. (Via) to provide microtransit within Highlands Ranch, Colo. This service will work to provide a free transportation option for any residents of Highlands Ranch needing a ride.  

“As part of our Older Adult Initiative, we heard loud and clear that older adults need help getting to and from doctors’ appointments, the grocery store and entertainment,” said Douglas County Commissioner George Teal. “We are excited to launch this program to help meet their needs.” 

Douglas County says when the program launches in late spring 2025, riders will be able to book an on-demand ride using a mobile app or by phone. The county notes this service will allow for a flexible way to get around Highlands Ranch, connecting riders to shopping centers, businesses, schools, parks, medical centers and regional transportation district  hubs. 

New Haven launches on-demandpublic transit service   

The city of New Haven has partnered with  Via to launch its Via New Haven ( NHV) service, a new app-based, on-demand public transit service. The city  says this service launch is a part of its ongoing efforts to expand transit accessibility and options to New Haven residents. 

The city of New Haven notes its Via NHV pilot program will help to provide affordable, reliable, convenient, shared, on-demand rides to locations around the city. Anyone within the service zone will be able to book an on-demand ride through the Via NHV app or by calling the Via NHV phone number. Once a rider books a trip, Via NHV technology matches riders headed in the same direction into one shared vehicle. Matching CT Transit fares, Via NHV offers individual rides starting at $1.75, with lower fares of $0.85  for seniors and low-income individuals. During an initial promotional period, all rides are free through April 11th. 

“We want to make it as affordable, convenient and safe as possible to get around New Haven. When you expand access to public transportation, you expand access to opportunity – connecting people to jobs, housing, doctors, friends and family, shopping and entertainment,” said New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker. “Opportunity only matters if you have a way to get there, and Via NHV is another way to help residents get to where they need and want to go. We have 22 bus routes, four train service lines, 52 miles of bikeways and an airport – but we still have some gaps that are difficult to close without a vehicle. Today, we’re helping to close those transit gap with our new on-demand transit service, Via NHV.” 

During this initial pilot phase, the city of New Haven notes the service area will be concentrated in neighborhoods on the west side, downtown and the Fair Haven neighborhood, where there is a lower concentration of individuals with vehicles. Service hours are seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Riders can use the service to commute work, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, local transit hubs, family and friends and more.  

“Via is delighted to partner with the city of New Haven to introduce microtransit to this community to minimize traffic while maximizing access to opportunity,” said Via Senior Vice President of Partnerships Mike Vaccarino.. “The launch of NHV Transit will connect people to the places that matter most.”  

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) awarded $19.5 million to fund nine transit districts and municipalities in Connecticut for a two-year pilot program for on-demand microtransit services. The city of New Haven received over $3 million to launch Via NHV.  
  
“With over 100,000 trips completed statewide, Connecticut's microtransit pilot programs are breaking down first and last mile barriers, offering an affordable, accessible option for all riders,” said CTDOT Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Ben Limmer. “The launch of microtransit in New Haven is a significant step to ensure we are providing greater connectivity for Elm City residents and visitors."