"An on-demand micro-transit pilot in the Central Massachusetts region has received almost half a million dollars in discretionary funding from MassDOT.
In collaboration with Via, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) will put the $460,000 towards what will be the first on-demand micro-transit public-private transit partnership in the region.
The project will replace the community shuttle the WRTA currently operates and instead will provide a ‘Transportation-as-a-Service’ (TaaS) model to the WRTA using transportation technology firm Via.
Its advanced algorithms enable multiple riders to share a vehicle, working with cities and public transportation agencies around the world to connect more people to transit.
The powerful technology directs passengers to a nearby virtual bus stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours, or inconvenient fixed routes and schedules. The technology enables on-demand, shared rides through routing determined by Via’s algorithm. Via is not only a technology provider, but has the operational know-how to create a scalable, customizable technology to offer to the public sector."