Spare is proud to support Tower Transit San Francisco in launching a new on-demand paratransit pilot for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). The pilot introduces flexible, tech-enabled service designed to expand accessible transportation across the city.

As the technology partner behind the scenes, Spare provides the digital infrastructure that powers the service,  from rider booking and smart dispatching to backend tools for operators. It’s a step toward more responsive, equitable transit within the SFMTA system.

‍“Spare brings the kind of forward-thinking innovation that public transit needs. Together, we’re not just moving people—we’re reshaping how cities like San Francisco think about mobility. From day one, Spare has felt like a true partner. Their responsiveness, insight and commitment to the rider experience make them an ideal collaborator on the SFMTA service. ”

— Grace Hiltz, VP of Partnerships - Tower Transit

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The technology behind the pilot

With Spare’s cloud-based platform, Tower Transit San Francisco can launch and manage this pilot with flexibility and control. The service includes:

• On-demand and pre-scheduled rides (up to 7 days in advance)
  
  
• Real-time dispatch and optimized routing
  
  
• Dynamic fare calculation based on travel zones
  
  
• Rider features for mobility aid compatibility
  
  
• Operator tools for vehicle tracking and driver management
  
  

This pilot helps evaluate how demand-responsive service can better meet paratransit needs than traditional fixed-route or dial-a-ride models, giving agencies the data to make informed decisions for their communities.

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A simple, accessible experience for riders

Riders can get started in just a few steps:

1. Visit tower-transit.com/booking
   
   
2. Download the Tower Transit app
   
   
3. Create a profile with their phone number and basic info
   
   

From there, riders can:

• Book a trip immediately or schedule one in advance
  
  
• Travel with a service animal or up to two guests at no extra cost
  
  
• Ride in accessible vehicles operated by trained drivers
  
  

The app also offers real-time ETAs, vehicle tracking, and clear communication - helping riders feel informed and in control throughout their trip.

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Service zones and fares

The pilot operates daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Fares are simple:

• Free: Trips within Yellow Zones
  
  
• Free: Trips between Yellow and Blue Zones
  
  
• $5 flat fare: All other rides
  
  

This structure allows riders to test the convenience of flexible, affordable service using Spare’s user-friendly interface.

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Accessibility at the core

Every part of the rider journey, from booking to boarding is designed with accessibility in mind. Vehicles are fully accessible, and the service supports mobility devices, service animals, and real-time operator assistance.

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Looking ahead

This pilot is more than a test - it’s a move toward a more inclusive, responsive transit system. Tower Transit is using the pilot to gather insights, challenge assumptions, and evaluate how Spare’s platform can support better service for paratransit riders.

At Spare, we’re committed to helping cities build more inclusive, efficient transportation networks. By powering flexible services like this one, we’re making equitable mobility more than a goal - we’re making it a reality.

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Want to explore what’s possible with on-demand transit? Visit spare.com.

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