Transit riders in Gastonia will soon experience a new way to travel when the City’s new rideshare service hits the road on July 1.
The public is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, June 29 at 2:30 p.m. at the FUSE Transfer Station located at 715 W. Airline Avenue when the City will launch its new ridesharing service. GoGastonia, the new on-demand microtransit service, will be available on Monday, July 1 starting at 5:30 a.m.
Mayor Richard Franks said:We saw a need to provide on-demand microtransit transportation to our residents as our city continues to grow. This move away from fixed-route buses will improve efficiency and will increase accessibility for everyone in our community.
The City’s Transportation Department estimates that riders take approximately 144,000 trips on its buses annually and the new model will better serve current riders and others seeking to use public transportation. The new on-demand microtransit service will replace six fixed-routes operated with city buses, and is designed to expand transit coverage to more of the city. The amended service delivery will not displace the ADA transportation services (para-transit) provided by the City.
Jake Bortz, East Coast Partnerships Lead at Via, said:Via is excited to work with the City of Gastonia to bring increased transit coverage and frequency to more people than ever before through Via’s flexible, on-demand technology and operational expertise. GoGastonia will not only provide a more efficient transit experience, but it will also help citizens easily connect with all the opportunities the city has to offer – whether that's work, school, healthcare, or leisure.
The new service features a fleet of 14 minivans (four of the vans are wheelchair accessible) wrapped in bright colors highlighting the GoGastonia logo and branding. During the launch, the service and branding is being featured in social media posts, at community events, on billboards, and on the city’s website.
What is On-Demand Microtransit?
On-demand microtransit provides a similar convenience to private rideshare services, allowing riders to book and pay for on-demand rides online or by phone – for the same cost as public transit.
Intelligent algorithms match others headed in the same direction into one shared vehicle. Riders are directed to a “virtual bus stop” near their pickup and drop-off location, which minimizes detours and keeps the trip efficient for everyone. Riders who indicate a mobility impairment will be picked up at their exact location.
This flexible model allows riders to take spontaneous trips and can reach more areas than fixed-route bus transit, which operates on specific routes.
What You Need to Know About GoGastonia Rideshare Service
- Fares: $2.00 one way (regular fare); $1.00 one way (elderly, age 65+ and disabled); children under 5 years old ride free with paying adult.
- Book a ride using the GoGastonia app or call (704) 753-7439.
- Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 5:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. & Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Service not available on holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day
- Service operates 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Friday after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve
- Minimum age for riders is 13 years old (to ride solo) or must ride with an adult. Riders provide their own car seat for children.
This article was originally published by Via.
