Waco Transit System expands on-demand transit with Spare to improve access & efficiency

A smarter approach to transit accessibility

Like many transit agencies, Waco Transit System needed a better way to serve riders where fixed-route service wasn’t an option. The challenge? Making transit more accessible in both urban and rural areas while keeping operations efficient and affordable.

To solve this, Waco Transit System launched three new on-demand services—MicroDash, ParaDash, and Evening LINK—alongside a new demand-responsive rural transit option to serve residents outside the fixed-route network.

• Maximizing fleet efficiency to cut costs and reduce downtime
• Expanding service to more communities without needing more fixed routes
• Making trip booking faster and easier through automation
• Improving wait times and reliability for riders

By leveraging Spare’s technology, Waco Transit System is introducing a more dynamic, data-driven approach to transit management.
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Why Waco Transit System launched on-demand services

Transit needs are changing, and Waco Transit System saw an opportunity to modernize its services while improving accessibility.

By launching MicroDash, ParaDash, and Evening LINK, Waco is giving riders more flexibility and better access to transit—without adding more fixed routes. With Spare’s platform, Waco Transit System can now:

• Cut wait times by efficiently matching riders with vehicles
• Maximize fleet efficiency by reducing deadhead miles
• Offer riders multiple ways to book trips via mobile app, web, or phone
• Use real-time data insights to refine and expand services based on demand

A closer look at the services

MicroDash – Affordable on-demand rides for city travel

• Covers three zones: Central, North Crest, and South-Hewitt.
• Riders can book same-day trips for $1.50 per ride.
• Service hours: Monday–Saturday, 7 AM–7 PM.

ParaDash – A smart way to manage paratransit

• Streamlines scheduling and dispatch for ADA paratransit riders.
• Riders can schedule trips up to two weeks in advance.
• Improves dispatcher efficiency with real-time trip tracking and automation.

Evening LINK – Reliable evening transit for work & travel

• Provides same-day rides for employment, training, and airport trips
• Available for riders living in the Greater Waco Area
• $3 one-way fare, with reservations required up to 24 hours in advance

Expanding demand-responsive service  – Connecting rural communities to Waco

• Intracounty demand-responsive service connecting Waco with surrounding counties (Limestone, Falls, Hill, Coryell, Belle, and Bosque)
• Designed to fill transit gaps where fixed-route service isn’t available
• Weekday service: 4:15 AM – 7:15 PM | Saturday service: 4:15 AM – 8:15 PM
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Operational efficiency at scale

“What excited us the most was the opportunity to enhance mobility options for our community with a seamless, app-based experience that gives riders more control over their trip.” - Jessica Clark, Marketing Director, Waco Transit System

By implementing dynamic scheduling, real-time tracking, and AI-powered routing, Waco Transit System can optimize its fleet, reducing downtime and ensuring more trips per vehicle.

Early results and expected benefits:

• Lower operational costs through smarter fleet utilization
• Reduced wait times and improved trip reliability
• Data-driven planning for future transit expansion
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Why Waco Transit System chose Spare

“We were looking for a dynamic solution that could modernize our services while making it easier for riders to access public transportation. Spare’s technology stood out because of its user-friendly platform, real-time ride scheduling, and the ability to improve efficiency.” - Jessica Clark, Marketing Director, Waco Transit System

Waco Transit System also appreciated Spare’s commitment to partnership, noting that their team went above and beyond to support the launch—assisting with media interviews, helping communicate the service’s benefits to the public, ensuring seamless operations, and even celebrating alongside transit staff.
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What’s next?

The launch of MicroDash, ParaDash, and Evening LINK is just the beginning. Waco Transit System will be using real-time data insights to fine-tune and expand services based on rider demand and operational efficiency.

For transit agencies exploring on-demand mobility solutions, Waco’s model demonstrates how technology can bridge service gaps, optimize fleet efficiency, and improve the overall rider experience.

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