Imperial County Transportation Commission partners with Via to launch new zero-emission public transportation service

The Imperial County Transportation Commission in Calexico, Calif., launched Calexico On Demand, a new zero-emission public transportation service in partnership with Via.

Calexico On Demand, which launched Jan. 9, is a tech-enabled microtransit service designed to expand access to flexible, equitable mobility for seniors, low-income and youth populations in the Calexico area — a border town historically challenged by poor air quality. The service is made possible through a nearly $1 million grant from the Clean Mobility Options (CMO) Voucher Pilot Program, which seeks to introduce safe, sustainable transportation to under-resourced communities in California.

Calexico On Demand allows anyone in the service zone to book an on-demand shared ride through an app or by calling a phone number. The service is powered by Via’s software, which uses intelligent algorithms to match riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle for quick, efficient trips — providing more flexible coverage than fixed-route bus lines.

The Calexico On Demand fleet consists of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles designed to reduce emissions, and a shared ride model that should minimize single-occupancy car trips.

“This program will create new opportunities for our residents to thrive,” said David Aguirre, executive director for the Imperial County Transportation Commission which serves Calexico. “Clean, flexible transit options can enhance access to jobs and increase quality of life for our residents and visitors. We are happy to see the state of California investing in programs like this and communities like ours.”

“Via is immensely proud to serve as the TransitTech provider for Calexico On Demand, which marks our second CMO-funded microtransit service in California,” said Krista Glotzbach, Via’s west coast partnerships lead. “We couldn’t be more excited to see how our software and shared ride model will create a more sustainable, flexible and equitable transportation ecosystem in Calexico.”

Calexico On Demand operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday. All rides are free until Feb. 9 when fares will cost $2 per ride for the general public or $1 for seniors and people with disabilities.

Riders can download the Calexico On Demand app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the sign-up steps.‍ Riders will receive an ETA from their driver and can follow along in real time in the app to see when and where to meet the driver.

Calexico On Demand’s CMO grant funding is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide initiative putting billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strength the economy and improve public health and the environment, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The program is administered by CALSTART, Shared-Use Mobility Center and CivicWell.