The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), in partnership with Via Transportation, is launching a new GoZone on-demand rideshare service.
The service starts Sept. 7 and works like a minibus that comes when it's needed and where it's needed. GoZone will provide safe, convenient, accessible and affordable rides with limited wait times.
“GoZone will improve how people live, work and play by enabling them to use an on-demand rideshare service that transports riders where they are to their destination. In addition, GoZone will provide more service coverage area and hours of operation than current fixed-route bus options to help people get where they need to go,” said DCTA CEO Raymond Suarez.
“Equitable, flexible access to transportation is at the core of Via’s mission, and our partnership with DCTA is an amazing example of how tech-enabled transit can help connect communities to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities,” added, Dillon Twombly, chief revenue officer at Via. “We are proud to work with DCTA and are excited to see how GoZone will improve mobility for Denton, Highland Village and Lewisville riders.”
How it works
GoZone is an on-demand rideshare service that riders will be able to utilize for trips within two dedicated zones: Denton and Lewisville/Highland Village GoZones. A fleet of dedicated vans will be used to pick up and drop off riders at virtual stops within the zones. Ride GoZone with a DCTA pass or purchase a single trip for $.0.75. Passengers can also get their first four rides free until Oct. 7.
Starting Aug. 31, passengers can download the DCTA GoZone mobile app to book their trips in real time. Don’t have a smart phone? Call DCTA customer service starting Sept. 7, to create an account and book a trip. Riders can also pay with exact cash on board.
The service will operate 365 days per year with the follow hours of operation:
- Monday through Thursday from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Fridays from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Sundays and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday through Saturdays, rides must start and end within the same zone (either Denton or Lewisville/Highland Village/Business 121), while on Sundays, riders can book rides between the zones.
DCTA service impacts
Below are agency services that will remain in operation alongside GoZone:
- Denton and Lewisville Connect Routes: Will operate at existing frequency from Sept. 7 – Dec. 6, 2021.
- North Texas Xpress: Will operate with two trips, Monday – Friday from Sept. 7 – Sept. 30, 2022.
- University of North Texas Campus Shuttles and Late-Night Lyft Program: Will operate as currently provided.
- MK101 Shuttle: Will operate up to five days per week, with two morning trips only, through Sept. 30, 2022.
- Access and Vanpool: Will operate as currently provided.
- Collin County Transit, Frisco Demand Response, Alliance Lyft and Coppell Lyft Program: Will operate in accordance with the existing contract.
Below are agency services that GoZone will replace:
- Lewisville Lakeway On-Demand: Service will end on Sept. 6, 2021; mobility options will be available through GoZone.
- Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC) Evening On-Demand: Service will end on Sept. 6, 2021; mobility options will be available through GoZone.
- Highland Village Lyft Program: Service will end on Sept. 6, 2021; mobility options will be available through GoZone.
- Lewisville Access to Flower Mound Lyft Program: Service will end on Sept. 6, 2021; mobility options will be available through GoZone.
Why GoZone over fixed-route bus
After extensive research on options for enhanced service delivery, DCTA and its board of directors concluded that an on-demand service model would be the most advantageous service for both DCTA passengers and the agency overall.
In January 2021, DCTA’s Board of Directors awarded an on-demand service delivery contract to Via which allowed the agency to work with Via to develop a proposed service plan that was presented to the public for review and input. On July 22, the board approved the GoZone service to launch on Sept. 7.
DCTA’s GoZone on-demand rideshare service will cover areas currently served by fixed route and on-demand zones. In some cases, the service will extend beyond the agency’s current service structure.
