Spare Launches On-Demand Microtransit in Ohio

December 11, 2020 (Vancouver, Canada) - Residents in Ohio’s greater Youngstown/Warren area will now better be able to get around once the sun sets thanks to a new door-to-door microtransit service powered by Spare, the world’s leading provider of on-demand mobility software. Launched in partnership with the The Western Reserve Transit Authority (WRTA), Spare’s automated technology replaces the former dial-a-ride configuration, promising a boost in efficiency for the agency and customers alike.

The automated service runs from 9 p.m. until midnight on weekdays and will utilize three of the agency’s vehicles. WRTA riders requiring transit in the defined coverage zone can use their smartphones to book the on-demand rides up to 15 minutes ahead of their desired pick up time. Or, they can book by calling a WRTA dispatcher anywhere between seven days to 24 hours in advance.

“Spare was ready with an easy out-of-the-box solution to launch our microtransit service, making the transition smooth and supporting us along the way,” says Dean Potter, WRTA’s executive director.

Once a trip is entered into Spare, its algorithm automatically schedules and optimizes vehicle routing based on demand. It also pools riders onto the same vehicles when it makes sense, leading to increased operational efficiency, shorter waiting times and fewer vehicle miles traveled.

“With our knowledge and experience running microtransit services in the United States, we felt uniquely positioned to help WRTA provide its riders with an efficient and delightful public transit option for its evening service that makes the most of our digital and data-driven approach,” adds Spare CEO Kristoffer Vik Hansen.

To find out how Spare can power on-demand microtransit services, whether evening-only or all day, reach out to our team at [email protected]

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