Goal

Bayway, nestled along the stunning Gulf Coast of Florida, is known for its vibrant communities and scenic landscapes. Home to Panama City and a host of other growing towns, the area has long been a destination for both residents and visitors seeking the best in coastal living. In keeping with its mission to provide convenient and affordable public transportation options to residents and visitors, Bayway sought to introduce a more flexible, cost-effective, and customer-centric service model. The goal was to implement microtransit services that could complement existing fixed routes and improve overall rider satisfaction, particularly for underserved and transportation-disadvantaged communities. By partnering with Spare, Bayway aimed to deploy a scalable and efficient transit solution that could adapt to their specific needs, increase ridership, and provide better service to their residents.

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Overview

Bayway, a forward-thinking transit agency in Florida, has long been committed to delivering quality transportation services to its residents. Faced with increasing demand and the need for more efficient and flexible transit options, Bayway explored the potential of microtransit. The agency partnered with Spare to launch a dynamic microtransit solution that could seamlessly integrate with its existing fixed-route services, offering riders more convenience and reducing operational costs. Since launching in March 2024, the microtransit program has seen remarkable growth, providing thousands of trips and setting the stage for further expansion.

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Challenges

Bayway’s traditional fixed-route transit system faced limitations in efficiently reaching all areas, with some routes underperforming due to low ridership. While a reliable foundation, the fixed routes struggled to provide the flexibility needed to serve diverse mobility demands. Budget constraints further highlighted the importance of finding an adaptable, cost-effective solution that could supplement and strengthen the existing transit network rather than replace any part of it.

Through careful analysis, Bayway identified that a microtransit service might offer a more economical way to serve specific areas, potentially lowering costs where fixed-route ridership was light. By securing a substantial three-year service development grant from the Florida Department of Transportation, Bayway launched a funded microtransit pilot designed to work alongside the fixed routes. This grant enabled the agency to explore a cohesive transit model that provides responsive, convenient service where needed most, supporting the broader goal of a fully integrated transit system without straining resources.

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Solutions

Bayway’s decision to partner with Spare was driven by the need for a robust, cost-effective, and user-friendly solution. Spare provided a comprehensive platform that allowed Bayway to:

• Launch a Microtransit Service: In March 2024, Bayway launched its microtransit pilot – Bayway Flex – initially focused in Panama City Beach. This area served as Bayway’s busiest route due to a significant need among riders for transportation to and from the adjacent county, Walton, due to work in the hospitality industry. 
• Implement Open Fleets: The integration of non-dedicated 'open' fleets, like Uber, enabled the agency to offer on-demand service options, dramatically improving wait times and overall service coverage.
• Modernizing the Eligibility Intake Process: Bayway also adopted Spare’s Eligibility platform, which replaced their previous system where everything was managed on paper. The transition to modern eligibility software helped Bayway streamline the process for riders to complete eligibility applications electronically, enhancing the customer experience.‍
• Data-Driven Decision Making: With Spare’s platform, Bayway could easily access and analyze critical data, such as pickup/drop off details and addresses, enabling the agency to justify grant funding and make informed operational decisions.

Unique to Bayway is its transit program: Bayway On Demand+ service’s transformation. Bayway’s On Demand+ service, powered by Spare and integrated with Uber, has redefined accessible transportation in the region. This eligibility-based Transportation Disadvantaged program requires riders to apply through Bayway, ensuring it serves those most in need. To qualify, applicants must reside in Bay County with no other transportation options available and meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Age 60 or older,
• Income below federal poverty guidelines, or
• A disability that prevents use of Bayway’s bus routes.

Approved riders can access On Demand+ through the Bayway Flex app or by phone, Monday through Saturday, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Riders have the choice of booking either wheelchair-accessible Bayway vehicles or standard Uber vehicles and pay a $1.50 copay per trip.

This seamless integration of Uber and Bayway vehicles to accommodate both wheelchair accessible and regular Uber rides has resulted in an impressive 895% increase in ridership within the first four months, transforming transit options for Bay County’s residents.

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Results

The implementation of Spare’s microtransit solution has had a significant impact on Bayway’s transit services:

• Ridership Growth: Bayway has experienced a projected 14% to 20% increase in overall ridership for the fiscal year, with microtransit contributing significantly to this growth.‍
• Increased Service Demand: The Flex microtransit service has seen an exceptional 6x month-over month growth five months since launch‍
• Bayway On Demand+ Success: The Bayway On Demand+ service has been a standout success, with an 895% increase in ridership within four months of launching. ‍
• Operational Efficiency: The integration of Open Fleets has improved wait times and provided a more seamless service for riders, although high demand has led to challenges in maintaining short wait times. As a result, Bayway continues to expand its services including adding 1 new vehicle to meet growing demand.‍
• Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Riders have expressed high levels of satisfaction with the new service, noting the convenience and improved accessibility. One rider shared, “They’ve got a new lease on life because now they're able to actually go out and do things more often than they would have.”

Bayway’s microtransit and Uber-integrated services, supported by Spare, are proving to be game-changers in public transportation, offering a scalable and customer-focused solution that meets the evolving needs of its community. In particular, the success of Bayway On Demand+ further highlights how innovative partnerships and technology can transform public transit, making it more inclusive and effective for those who rely on it the most.