Microtransit updates from city of Kenora, HRT
The city of Kenora, Ontario, has launched The Wave microtransit service while Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) has relaunched its OnDemand microtransit service. Both services are provided by an independent third-party contractor, Via.
City of Kenora
The city began service on The Wave on Oct. 15. The cost of the service is $2.50 per ride. To celebrate the launch, the service is offering three free one-way rides throughout October.
The Wave fleet features four vehicles, two of which are wheelchair accessible. The new on-demand microtransit service will replace the conventional transit system that operates one bus on a fixed-route model, five days per week. The Wave will not change the services currently offered by the specialized HandiTransit service.
“Public transportation is an important service in our community and council and city administration are excited to support a service that enhances accessibility and reliability for everyone,” said city of Kenora Director of Corporate Services Heather Pihulak. “This innovative shift from a fixed-route bus to on-demand microtransit will significantly improve efficiency and meets the needs of all residents who use public transportation.”
“Via is proud to work with the city of Kenora to launch The Wave – a reliable transit option that uses innovative technology to help residents and visitors easily reach crucial opportunities like jobs, healthcare, community services, places of leisure and more,” said Rob Bryans Canada country manager, Via. “Kenora’s bold investment in tech-powered transit underscores its reputation as a city dedicated to accessibility in its community.”
The service will run from Monday to Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., excluding statutory holidays. Rides can be booked through The Wave app or over the phone.
HRT
OnDemand microtransit is a ridesharing service in Newport News and Virginia Beach, Va., providing an affordable transportation option for those without vehicles and in areas with limited fixed-route bus service. Following a successful trial in 2022-2023, HRT says this second pilot resumes in one zone in each city through September 2025, after which the service will be evaluated.
“Microtransit is ideal for the first or last leg of a trip – it bridges an important transportation gap to ensure customers have access to new transit solutions that are reliable, safe, efficient and sustainable,” said William E. Harrell, president and CEO, HRT.
The agency notes free introductory fares are available to all riders during the first two weeks of service. Effective Oct. 27, fares will be $2 per person per ride, just like HRT’s other modes of transit. Kids under 17 ride free with a paying adult. Free fares are also offered for qualified paratransit riders and Student Freedom Pass holders, though anyone riding with them must pay the fare. Paratransit and Student Freedom Pass holders must register their account through the app and show a physical pass to ride free. Customers can book on the HRT OnDemand mobile app or by phone.
HRT says a fleet of branded wheelchair-accessible Chrysler minivans are assigned to take customers from their requested origin to destination, picking up additional customers along the way who are traveling in a similar direction. When booking with the app, customers will see a map of the service area where rides are offered, including key points of interest and transit hubs.
According to the agency, once a ride is entered with pickup and drop-off locations, the system will provide ride options for time and location. Customers are directed to a nearby virtual bus stop and a driver is dispatched to meet them at that location. Rides are operated solely within the zones. Customers who want to go beyond the zone are dropped off within distance of a fixed route, such as an HRT bus, for onward travel.
Customers are provided with vehicle information such as license plate number, driver name, driver photo and vehicle ID number and they can track their vehicle in real-time using the app. Service is available within 15 minutes of a customer’s request Mondays through Fridays from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
HRT notes vehicles are colored white or black, with blue and green accents, and include OnDemand branding. Eight vehicles will be available in Newport News and six in Virginia Beach.
In Newport News, OnDemand ridesharing operates within a 20-square-mile zone connecting to six bus routes. Points of interest include:
- City Center at Oyster Point
- Newport News Transportation Center (Amtrak station)
- Patrick Henry Mall
- Marketplace at Tech Center
- Christopher Newport University, ECPI and Strayer University
- Riverside Hospital, CHKD Health & Surgery Center, Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, Sentara Port Warwick
- Denbigh Community Center, places of worship, grocery stores and other points of interest
In Virginia Beach, OnDemand operates within a 15-square-mile zone, connecting to seven bus routes and the Newtown Road Light Rail Station. Points of interest include:
- Virginia Beach Town Center
- Virginia Wesleyan University
- Norfolk Premium Outlets
- Williams Farm Recreation Center
- Sentara Leigh Hospital
- Haygood Shopping Center
- Wegman’s/ Walmart
- Pembroke Mall / Target
HRT notes that during the previous pilot program, customers provided an average ride rating of 4.85 out of five. According to the agency, over 95 percent of demand was met and customers were offered arrival times consistently under 15 minutes.
Brandon Lewis | Associate Editor
Brandon Lewis is a recent graduate of Kent State University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lewis is a former freelance editorial assistant at Vehicle Service Pros.com in Endeavor Business Media’s Vehicle Repair Group. Lewis brings his knowledge of web managing, copyediting and SEO practices to Mass Transit Magazine as an associate editor.
