RideCo and Uber Technologies Inc. have joined together to offer transit agencies overflow options. The companies explain this integration of technologies enables agencies to scale and implement alternative transportation options while minimizing organizational demands and disruption to their existing network.
"We are thrilled to announce this partnership and integration with Uber as it enables even more expansion options for customers and it demonstrates the positive impact of public-private partnerships," said Prem Gururajan, founder and CEO at RideCo. "This means transit agencies can easily scale up and down based on demand and provide even greater convenience and equity for riders while proactively managing cost structures."
RideCo has worked to develop and advance on-demand transit technology to enable public transit agencies to modernize their traditional approaches to paratransit services and implement cost-saving microtransit services. Using this technology, agencies can provide a more personalized mobility option for their customers with convenient booking options, increased coverage and reduced wait times.
"Together, Uber and RideCo are helping agencies achieve greater operational efficiency and higher productivity while enhancing rider equity," said Uber Transit's General Manager Jen Shepherd. "This partnership is a real win for transit agencies and the paratransit community, as we continue to extend the benefits of our technology to provide people of all abilities increased access to transportation."
Agencies typically use their own fleets or a third-party fleet provider to provide a combination of fixed route and on-demand services. The new RideCo-Uber integration provides agencies even more flexibility in how they choose to offer transit services. They can leverage the efficiencies that RideCo's software provides for all fleet alternatives while flexing service options with Uber to provide overflow services for after-hours ride requests, low-density areas, rider's choice and support peak demand.
The integration between the two platforms can be configured to agency-specific business regulations, ensuring overflow is optimized for the appropriate use cases while leveraging dedicated fleets where they are best utilized. RideCo notes having Uber integrated within the RideCo platform simplifies the booking, payment and ride tracking process for both the riders and the transit agency, as they no longer navigate multiple applications. Eligibility management is built directly into RideCo's platform as well, where agency staff can easily manage who has access to overflow options with bespoke conditions.
