Lorain County Transit Announces Partnership with via to Launch “ViaLC”, a New On-Demand Public Transit Service
Lorain County Transit announces the launch of “Via LC”, a new on-demand public transit service in partnership with Via, the leader in TransitTech. Beginning July 15, ViaLC will expand access to efficient, affordable, and flexible transportation for residents in Lorain and Elyria with rides that can be booked at the touch of a button.
ViaLC will make Lorain County Transit’s entire public transit network more accessible for the community, enabling residents to book rides anywhere within the cities of Lorain or Elyria through the ViaLC mobile app, or to connect to a Lorain County Transit bus to go even further.
In addition, Lorain County Transit will transition to Via’s software to manage their existing demand-responsive services, including Dial-a-Ride and the Oberlin Connector.
Via’s intelligent algorithms will match multiple ViaLC riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle. Riders will be directed to a nearby corner for pickup and drop-off. The result is a highly efficient service that minimizes lengthy detours while providing near-universal transit coverage in areas that buses and trains cannot reach.
Riders currently using Dial-a-Ride and the Oberlin Connector will continue to call in to Lorain County Transit to book their rides but will now receive automated reminders by phone or SMS. The Lorain County dispatch team will also use Via’s scheduling algorithm to automatically schedule trips and optimize transit plans every day, creating a more streamlined and efficient experience.
Commissioner Dave Moore, said:The County is continuously looking for ways to improve the levels of service we provide to the residents of Lorain County.
By providing this Microtransit pilot program as a way to enhance Lorain County Transit, I believe that this will offer us an opportunity to evaluate the best way to move forward and provide a more robust public transit system.
Sarish Kasat, Central Region Partnerships Lead at Via, said:Via is excited to be a part of Lorain County’s transit network, helping to broaden its reach and accessibility.
We look forward to providing residents with new options to take advantage of public transit to reach essential and leisure opportunities across their community.
ViaLC will be available Monday – Friday from 6:30 am – 6:30 pm. Rides cost the same as the bus at just $2, with $1 fares for seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare cardholders, children 3-12, and students. Veterans and infants ride free. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available upon request, and riders without smartphones can call 440-901-5554 to receive booking assistance.
How to ride with ViaLC:
- Create an account. Download the ViaLC app from the App Store or Google Play on July 12 and follow the simple signup steps.
- Book a ride. Enter your pickup and drop off addresses, choose the ride that works best for you, and tap Book This Ride.
- Meet your driver. Check the app to find exactly when and where to meet the vehicle.
To learn more about ViaLC, please visit: https://city.ridewithvia.com/lorain.
This article was originally published by Via.
