The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) celebrates tremendous ridership growth on the heels of its two year anniversary with global transportation technology company, Via. Initially funded through the MassDOT Discretionary Grant Program for RTAs , Via-WRTA launched in Westborough in September 2020, and expanded to Shrewsbury in April 2021.
This project was the first Public-Private Transit Partnership in the Central Massachusetts region that introduces on-demand micro-transit. Since launching in September 2020, Via-WRTA has provided over 33,000 low-cost rides to the Westborough and Shrewsbury communities, and has seen an increase in service of over 10% over the last several months.
Via-WRTA service is provided from 7am – 7pm, Monday through Friday and functions much like a shuttle that comes when you want, where you want. With its powerful technology and use of advanced algorithms, passengers are directed to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off. Multiple riders are able to seamlessly share a vehicle through the unique technology that match passengers headed in the same direction into a single vehicle for quick and efficient shared trips. Rides are just $2 dollars per trip!
Benefits passengers can expect to receive include:
- On-demand service that allows for an easy switch from their personal vehicle to our vehicles;
- Reduction in overall daily cost for commuters who are currently using the MBTA parking lots;
- Easier to pay fare using the Via-WRTA mobile app, available in both the App Store and Google Play.
Worcester Regional Transit Authority is excited for the continued partnership with Via to provide commuters and riders access to on-demand transit service and ensure that there are affordable and convenient transportation options available.
Via has already partnered with some of the world’s largest public transit agencies to solve pressing transportation needs, including the Los Angeles Metro, Transport for London (TfL), Sydney’s Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), and Berlin’s Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG).
###
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) is a regional transit system that services the City of Worcester and the surrounding 36 communities in the Central Massachusetts area with a bus fleet that includes diesel-electric hybrid buses, and clean-diesel buses. The second largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts, the WRTA offers reliable, comfortable, and safe transportation for traveling to work, shopping, school, medical appointments, and leisure activities. The WRTA also provides paratransit service for the elderly and disabled, as well as a variety of special services for those groups in the entire service area. Currently, all rides are fare free through June 30, 2023. For more information, visit www.TheRTA.com.
Via is reimagining how the world moves, from regulated systems with rigid routes and schedules to fully dynamic networks. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in 2013, Via’s technology is now deployed globally, including in Europe as ViaVan. Today Via and ViaVan partner with nearly 100 public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, school districts, and universities, seamlessly integrating with transportation infrastructure to power cutting-edge mobility. For more information, visit ridewithvia.com.