Metro launches partnership with Via for on-demand rides at three stations

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A pilot project that offers shared, on-demand rides to and from three busy Metro stations — Artesia, El Monte and North Hollywood — was launched today by Metro and the private firm Via.

Riders can summon rides with Via’s smartphone app or by calling Via at (619) 731-0710, which will provide a nearby intersection where riders can meet their rides. Each ride begins or ends at one of the three stations. The rides can be within a defined service area around each station.

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Riders who input TAP cards while creating an account with Via will ride for $1.75 (have your TAP card handy when signing up — it’s easier that way). Riders without TAP cards can ride for $3.75. Riders who are registered with Metro’s low-income fare program, LIFE, can ride for free.

The idea of the program is to extend the benefits of on-demand services to a wider audience and to make it easier for riders to connect with a growing Metro system.

One type of vehicle that Via will use in its partnership with Metro.

Via will accept payment by credit, debit, or pre-paid card. These features allow passengers without smartphones or bank accounts to use the service. The call center has translation services available.

Via’s service will also be fully wheelchair accessible, with special vehicles able to easily accommodate those who are non-ambulatory, allowing many to finally use an on-demand, ride-hailing service.

The pilot is funded in part by a $1.35-million grant from the Federal Transit Administration for its Mobility on Demand Sandbox Demonstration program.

The shared rides are in line Metro’s Vision 2028 Strategic Plan to reduce single occupancy car trips. Via will provide Metro with data on how riders use the service. That will help Metro measure the success of this partnership and help inform future ride sharing innovations at Metro.

For more information about the service, please visit http://www.metro.net/via.

Categories: Policy & Funding, Projects

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14 replies ›

    • Hi Steve;

      I recommend going to the Via website and clicking on the ‘drive’ menu at top to learn more.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  3. I used Via last night from the El Monte Station to my home and it was terrific! It was my first time using Via and I was also the driver’s first ever Via passenger. So glad I follow this blog! FYI I used the promo code VIARIDE10 and received $10 in credit as a new rider. I didn’t even have to pay $1.75! I then entered in my TAP card number to lock in the $1.75 rate for future rides. I hope more people try this service so it can move beyond the pilot stage. Thanks Metro and Via!

    • Hi Andrew,

      Thanks for trying the service and for the great feedback!

      Anna Chen
      Writer, The Source

  4. Why on earth would Artesia be chosen just as its closed? Why not at the very least wait until the second half of the blue line closure?
    Seems like Metro needs to better coordinate its programs and not have them in silos.

    • Hi there —

      It does not. It’s a $1.75 for Metro and then the price of your fare to board the Metro system.

      Steve Hymon
      Editor, The Source

  7. Artesia station is closed because of the blue line closure. Why would Metro choose this as one of the stations.

  8. My place is so close to the service area but sadly could not try it because it does not cover from where I live. Will there plans to expend the service, at least it should cover the entire city from the station, such as service in the El Monte station should covere the entire the city of El Monte.

  9. Only Monday through Friday, from 6:00am to 8:00pm?

    This service really needs to have expanded hours to be (Via)ble.

  10. You might want to make a little clearer the fact that you need to enter your TAP card number as a promo code when signing up. (It will let you enter it later but still that was confusing.