Blackfeet Reservation launches on-demand public transit service powered by Via

Blackfeet Transit has partnered with Via to launch a dynamically-routed, door-to-door public transit service.

The program aims to expand access to affordable, efficient and convenient transportation for riders traveling within The Blackfeet Reservation and Browning, and to and from nearby towns.

Blackfeet Transit’s partnership with Via represents the first time Blackfeet Transit has incorporated software technology into its transportation services. With this technology, the service’s vehicle routing and dispatching will become more efficient — ultimately empowering citizens to travel more easily to healthcare, jobs, education, voting and commercial opportunities.

Using the Blackfeet Transit mobile app, or by calling a dedicated phone line for riders without a smartphone, riders can book an on-demand or pre-scheduled ride when and where they need it. Upon booking a ride, Via’s advanced algorithms create quick and efficient trips by pooling multiple passengers headed in the same direction into a single vehicle in real time.

The service operates from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday within Browning, Mont., and provides trips to-and-from neighboring areas including Kalispell, Great Falls, Shelby and Cutbank. The service also includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

“Via’s mission is to create equitable, flexible access to transportation, and Blackfeet Reservation is an amazing example of a community using tech-enabled transit to help its residents affordably and easily connect with essential services and leisure opportunities, without the need for a private vehicle,” said Dillon Twombly, chief revenue officer, Via.

“Blackfeet Transit will be able to reach more people than ever with Via’s technology,” added Warren Blackman, Blackfeet Transit director. “We’re excited this partnership is bringing people better access to transportation and helping meet the different transportation needs in the community. The majority of riders we serve are elderly or people with disabilities, and this technology empowers them to book a ride on their own to get wherever they need to go.”

Adult fares are a flat $1 fee per ride, with seniors, passengers with disabilities and children 17 and younger riding for free. Passengers will pay their fare with cash upon boarding. Blackfeet Transit plans to add a credit or debit card payment option in the near future.