Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Partners with Spare to Deliver the Largest Fully Automated Paratransit Service in North America

Boston, Massachusetts – December 17, 2024 - Spare, a leading provider of mobility operations software, has entered into a new contract with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). This collaboration provides cutting-edge paratransit technology and services to customers of one of the largest transit systems in the U.S., enhancing accessibility in customer-facing software and communications, efficiency, and the experience for individuals with disabilities who rely on paratransit services.  

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By leveraging Spare's AI-driven platform, the MBTA will optimize its paratransit operations, improving scheduling accuracy based on vehicle location, vehicle requirements, customer wait times and service performance metrics all while enhancing overall service reliability. Spare's technology will enable the MBTA to improve service, allocate resources more efficiently and provide real-time updates to riders, empowering them to make informed decisions about their travel plans. Spare, through its Open Fleets technology, brings extensive experience in optimizing between dedicated and non-dedicated providers to significantly enhance and modernize the rider experience in the greater Boston area, similar to what they have done for many years working with the leading transit agencies around the world.

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"We are thrilled to partner with the MBTA to bring our cutting-edge paratransit solutions to millions of trips yearly," said Kristoffer Vik Hansen, CEO of Spare. "This partnership underscores Spare's commitment to transforming urban mobility by providing reliable and accessible transportation options for all. We look forward to working closely with the MBTA to set new standards for paratransit service, especially in high-density cities like Boston."

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“We are excited to partner with Spare, as part of our ongoing commitment to deliver innovative solutions and exceptional service to our customers,” said Michele Stiehler, Chief of Paratransit Services for the MBTA.

The MBTA’s paratransit service provides door-to-door, shared-ride public transportation to people who can’t use the subway, bus, or trolley due to disability. The RIDE is available year-round in 58 cities and towns in the greater Boston area and includes a fleet of 700 vehicles in addition to ride-share providers including Uber and Lyft, providing more than 1.5 million trips per year. The RIDE service area encompasses ADA-compliant zones aligned with fixed routes, as well as extended Premium zones, providing comprehensive coverage for riders across the greater Boston area. 

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The MBTA’s paratransit services extend well beyond fixed routes, featuring seamless integration with a multitude of Non-Dedicated Service Providers (NDSPs), including Uber, Lyft, and UZURV , and expands the range of transportation options into a single platform for management and optimization.  Spare's advanced technology platform provides riders with real-time alerts, convenient booking capabilities, and improved visibility over their trip statuses, enhancing their overall experience and peace of mind all while leveraging data, route planning and vehicle utilization. 

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This partnership marks a significant milestone for both Spare and the MBTA, solidifying Spare's position as a  trusted partner for large urban transit agencies while furthering the MBTA’s commitment to paratransit riders in the region. Spare has recently announced significant partnerships with transit agencies, including Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART); Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in the Bay Area as well as King County Metro in Seattle. These agencies use Spare Platform to power their demand response services, whether ADA-paratransit or microtransit. This comes on the heels of Spare’s $42M Series B funding round, led by Inovia Capital. 

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For more information about the partnership and new services, visit https://www.mbta.com/accessibility/the-ride.

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About Spare

Spare specializes in providing transit agencies with the technology to modernize ADA-paratransit systems and launch microtransit services. The company focuses on enhancing transportation access for underserved communities, offering a comprehensive suite of software tools tailored to meet each agency's unique requirements. Spare has powered over 19 million rides globally and partners with top agencies such as DART (Dallas), PSTA (Pinellas County), AC Transit/BART (Oakland), CapMetro (Austin), and Winnipeg Transit. For more information, visit www.spare.com.

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