Rochester RTS, city of El Cajon launch microtransit services
The Routing Company (TRC) is powering Rochester Regional Transit Services’ (RTS) on-demand service while Via Transportation (Via) is helping implement the new on-demand service in the city of El Cajon, Calif.
Rochester RTS deploys microtransit service
Rochester RTS's new weekday demand-responsive service, which includes microtransit and deviated route services, are enabled by TRC's technology. The services operate from seven properties across Rochester, N.Y.'s, surrounding counties, including Wayne, Ontario, Livingston, Wyoming, Genesee, Seneca and Orleans. Riders will also be able to pre-book rides.
TRC notes the service has already launched in Seneca, Genesee, Orleans, Ontario and Wyoming, with services in Wayne and Livingston being launched in the spring.
“Finding new and innovative ways to meet the growing needs of our customers is a constant effort for the RTS team and our work with The Routing Company is the latest example of that,” said RTS CEO Miguel Velázquez. “Partnering with The Routing Company is helping us expand service and improve the overall experience of our customers in the rural areas we serve, while giving our team the tools they need to successfully carry out our mission.”
TRC's Pingo platform powers the service, helping bridge mobility gaps in rural and underserved communities. The platform offers real-time booking wihle optimizing routes to streamline rides and enhance the rider experience.
“This partnership is a major milestone for on-demand transit, and we are proud to partner with RGRTA to redefine how mobility is delivered in the Rochester area having launched the first of seven counties with this 132-vehicle deployment,” said TRC CEO James Cox. “By leveraging the Pingo platform, we’re ensuring that communities—especially those in rural areas—have access to equitable, reliable and flexible transportation options. This launch is a testament to the potential of technology to transform public transit systems.”
El Cajon launches on-demand transit option
Via is working with the city of El Cajon to launch its app-based, on-demand service, Via San Diego El Cajon. The microtransit service utilizes electric vehicles.
The service launched March 17, and all rides are free for the first month. Once the free period ends April 17, trips will cost $2.50. Anyone within El Cajon's service zone can book a shared ride on Via San Diego by using the app or by calling. The microtransit service helps connect users to work, shops and regional transit hubs without needing a private car.
The service is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Users can book a ride, and will be matched with other riders headed in the same direction, creating quick and efficient shared trips. Detours are minimized by directing riders to virtual bus stops. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles and door-to-door service is available to riders with mobility issues.
“Via is thrilled to partner with the city of El Cajon to launch this zero-emission, tech-enabled microtransit program as part of the broader Via San Diego platform,” said Brian Nelson, West Coast partnerships lead, Via. “The debut of Via San Diego will transform how the El Cajon community moves—whether that’s commuting, connecting with other transit options or reaching important local opportunities.”
Via San Diego El Cajon is funded by a $1.5 million award from the Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program, with additional support from the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program.
Megan Perrero | Editor in Chief
Megan Perrero is a national award-winning B2B journalist and lover of all things transit. Currently, she is the Editor in Chief of Mass Transit magazine, where she develops and leads a multi-channel editorial strategy while reporting on the North American public transit industry.
Prior to her position with Mass Transit, Perrero was the senior communications and external relations specialist for the Shared-Use Mobility Center, where she was responsible for helping develop internal/external communications, plan the National Shared Mobility Summit and manage brand strategy and marketing campaigns.
Perrero serves as the board secretary for Latinos In Transit and is a member of the American Public Transportation Association Marketing and Communications Committee. She holds a bachelor’s degree in multimedia journalism with a concentration in magazine writing and a minor in public relations from Columbia College Chicago.