A new on-demand transit service, powered by Via, launched in Lockhart, Texas, on May 2.
The Capital Area Rural Transportation System’s (CARTS) new service, CARTS Now, follows successful on-demand programs in Bastrop and Taylor. CARTS is expanding to Lockhart to provide on-demand curb-to-curb rides that allow riders to travel anywhere quickly and reliably within the city limits.
To celebrate the launch, CARTS hosted a ceremonial ribbon-cutting with the city of Lockhart and other community partners. Lockhart residents had the opportunity to meet local drivers, look inside the van and learn more about additional CARTS services in the area.
“After such strong community response in Taylor and Bastrop, we are thrilled to introduce this new on-demand service to the city of Lockhart,” said David Marsh, general manager, CARTS. “CARTS Now is changing the way we connect communities through accessible and efficient transportation services.”
CARTS Now service is currently available in the city of Lockhart, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. As a limited-time promotion, CARTS Now will operate for free in Lockhart to encourage the community to try the new service.
Rides may be requested using an app, which works like a rideshare app. Riders download the app and can request a ride from CARTS Now van, set any pickup and destination within the city limits, and have a van arrive to pick them up within 15 minutes. Rides can also be arranged by calling the CARTS Now line.
“Lockhart is a city on the move; our partnership with CARTS helps keep that momentum,” said Lockhart Mayor Lew White. “CARTS Now provides our community a simple—yet essential—transportation solution to help Lockhart citizens reach their destination safely, easily, and efficiently.”
The convenient app-based booking option is powered by Via. Via’s app uses intelligent algorithms to match multiple riders headed in the same direction to provide quick and efficient shared trips, without fixed schedules or routes associated with traditional transit options.
