NRT OnDemand, Niagara Region Transit's (NRT) on-demand public transportation service, is celebrating its three-year anniversary. Passenger survey data from Via reveals the program has created positive impacts on the community, including increased ability to travel and a greater incentive to use public transit.
The on-demand service has served more than 241,000 on-demand rides since launching in August 2020. The service has expanded several times due to its popularity and serves seven distinct service zones: Grimsby, Lincoln, Pelham, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, West Lincoln and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Between July 2022 and July 2023, the service’s ridership has grown nearly 29 percent.
Anyone in the NRT OnDemand service zones can book a pre-scheduled or on-demand ride which helps to match passengers the same direction into one vehicle – creating quick, efficient shared trips that rival the convenience of a private vehicle.
A survey sent to NRT OnDemand passengers in August uncovered insights about how community members are benefiting from the service:
- More than half of passengers report gaining independence thanks to NRT OnDemand and more than a third say they find themselves traveling more often.
- 70 percent said they use NRT On Demand most of the time or sometimes to connect with the region’s other forms of public transit.
- 27 percent said without NRT On Demand, they would have had to rely on asking someone for a ride.
- 20 percent said NRT On Demand has led to them using their private car less.
Passenger testimonials also underscore how the service is a necessity to many.
“This service is essential for those without their own transportation and who must get to appointments and shopping," said Eric S, a NRT OnDemand passenger.
“We are elderly and have given up our car. The NRT OnDemand service is the only one available to us for going to local shops. Although we have family here, we do not like to trouble them too much," said NRT OnDemand passenger George B.
