Pace Bus Begins Deploying Next-Generation Demand Response/Microtransit Services

DemandTrans has been selected by Pace Bus, the suburban transit agency for the Chicago metropolitan region, to deploy its MobilityDR solutions in multiple communities in the Pace service area.

Demand Response/Microtransit is a highly flexible, on-demand mode of transportation that’s transforming the face of public transit. This on-demand mode couples traditional fixed-route services, like public buses and trains, with demand-driven options to serve the specific needs of cities and communities. Demand Response/Microtransit capabilities have the power to positively impact a community’s social mobility and economic viability while also addressing concerns stemming from traffic and parking congestion.

“We are excited to deploy our market leading Microtransit solution in our home city of Chicago to enhance service, reduce costs, and maximize system flexibility. Much like other large public transit agencies who have adopted our Demand Response/Microtransit solution, such as Oakland, Denver, Nashville, and soon, Los Angeles, MobilityDR enables public agencies to embrace new approaches while providing enhanced public transit options to enhance the benefits in their communities. MobilityDR represents this next wave of innovation, merging flexible and fixed transit options to better serve their citizens and their communities,” said DemandTrans Chairman John Michel.

Powered by DemandTrans proprietary MaaSBuilder Simulator, an advanced demand modeling system that allows transit agency planners to explore all the various configurations of potential services and report performance measures important to customers and operators, DemandTrans is helping leaders minimize service variation while dramatically improving system operating precision. By introducing new agency-owned flexible transit services, each transit agency is now better able to serve their community with their own unique brand of services.

“As many cities grapple with declining ridership, and solving traffic congestion, Chicago transit leaders are turning to Demand Response/Microtransit solutions to supplement the transit needs of communities underserved by their existing fixed-route network,” said Dr. Roger Teal, president of DemandTrans. “By integrating MobilityDR across Pace’s numerous on-demand service zones, Transit leaders are helping the agency reduce parking congestions, grow ridership and provide more efficient service for public-transit riders,’ Teal added.

MobilityDR Demand Response/Microtransit services are slated to begin full operation in the Chicago region in March 2018.