Via to Transit pilot returns to southeast Seattle and Tukwila

King County Metro, in partnership with the city of Seattle and thanks to the voter-approved Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD), has extended the Via to Transit pilot for a second year, running from June 22, 2020 to April 2021.

The start date of Via to Transit’s second year of service coincides with King County Metro’s ramp-up of fixed route service.

In its first year, Via to Transit was a flexible, on-demand shuttle service that provided rides to and from five transit hubs in southeast Seattle and Tukwila, solving the first-last mile challenge for around 800 daily riders since it launched in April 2019. In year two, Via to Transit will serve the three transit hubs shown to be in areas where needs are greatest – Rainier Beach, Othello and Tukwila International Boulevard light-rail stations – which have also shown to offer the most rides per service hour.

Positive customer response

Before concluding the Via to Transit pilot on March 23, 2020 in response to COVID-19, King County Metro and the city of Seattle say they were overwhelmed with positive feedback from customers. Riders not only rated the service 4.8 stars out of five on the Via app, but wrote more than 200 letters advocating for Via to Transit to continue.

Customers credited Via to Transit with reduced commute time, increased personal safety versus walking to transit, greater access to the region without needing to own a car and more independence for young or disabled riders.

Convenience of the service also was also attractive to riders. Via had an average wait time of nine minutes and an average in-vehicle time of seven minutes. Connected service areas (such as Othello and Rainier Beach) drew a larger pool of drivers since they can serve both service areas. This reduced customer wait time and increased service efficiency.

Serving areas of greatest need

One of the original goals of Via to Transit was providing service in areas with high percentages of residents with low incomes, people of color and individuals with limited English proficiency – all factors in determining where “needs are greatest," according to King County Metro’s Mobility Framework. Relaunched service continues to serve these communities.

Othello and Rainier Beach represent three-fourths of Via to Transit trips to date, and are primarily funded by STBD. While Tukwila International Boulevard Station’s service area, which is funded by King County Metro, had lower daily ridership, it operated during peak hours and on weekdays only, while Seattle service is all day, seven days per week. Continuing the service in Tukwila provides access to transportation for a high percentage of residents with low incomes, people of color and individuals with limited English proficiency.    

COVID-19 response

Social distancing and hygiene best practices will be incorporated into Via to Transit operations as the region continues to fight the spread of COVID-19. There are protocols in place for each of the four phases identified in Washing Gov. Jay Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” plan; phases one and two include the following:

• Private rides until further notice (note: multiple people from the same booking can ride together)
• Passengers are asked to sit in the back of the van to increase social distancing.
• Barrier in between driver and passengers.
• Driver and passengers are required to wear face coverings or masks if they are able.
• Driver is provided with EPA-approved disinfecting product to wipe down the vehicle throughout their shift and vehicles will have an enhanced sanitization daily.
• In-app Wellness Checks for riders and drivers to confirm they are symptom free before using Via.
• In-app notifications to riders reinforcing local guidance on PPE, seating spacing and hygiene.  
• Drivers who are directly affected by COVID-19 will have access to paid sick leave.

Priorities and funding

King County Metro launched Via to Transit in April 2019 as a 12-month research project in partnership with Sound Transit, the city of Seattle and Via Transportation and with support from the Federal Transit Administration’s Mobility on Demand Sandbox Grant. The expiration of the voter-approved STBD at the end of the year, which funds a majority of Via to Transit’s service, coupled with King County Metro’s lost revenue due to COVID-19 means that Via’s second year launches in a different landscape.

Even in a budget constrained environment, King County Metro and city of Seattle say they are committed to providing mobility options in all parts of the region, and Via to Transit is one example of this commitment. With some cuts to bus service in place, reliable connections to transit hubs will be more important than ever. As restrictions are relaxed and ridership demand grows, King County Metro says it will continue to adjust service levels as resources allow.

“As the region faces economic challenges in response to COVID-19, providing access to opportunity in the form of jobs, school, childcare and other services is a priority for us,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “We are redeploying Via to Transit for second year in order to maximize our transportation network in areas where those needs are greatest, reflecting our commitment to create mobility for all – safely, equitably, and sustainably.”

Daniel Ramot, Via CEO and co-founder added, “Via to Transit demonstrates how technology can serve as a solution for cities to expand public transit networks and provide safe, efficient, and affordable access to transportation for all. We are proud to extend the service in partnership with King County Metro and the City of Seattle, and to offer a solution that has a meaningful and positive impact on the community.”