On demand service updates: Lorain County Transit, WeGo Public Transit, York Region

Lorain County Transit, WeGo Public Transit (WeGo) and York Region Transit (YRT) have each rolled out new on-demand transit service options within their systems with Via Transportation, WeGo Link and On-Request Respectively.

Lorain County Transit

A new on-demand public transit service will be launched in partnership with Via Transportation, Via LC. Beginning July 15, Via LC will expand access to efficient, affordable and flexible transportation for residents in Lorain and Elyria, Ohio, 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.

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.

“Via is excited to be a part of Lorain County’s transit network, helping to broaden its reach and accessibility,” said Sarish Kasat, central region partnerships lead at Via. “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 a.m. to  6:30 p.m. Rides cost the same as the bus at just $2, with $1 fares for seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare cardholders, children three to 12 and students. Veterans and infants ride free. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available upon request.

WeGo

WeGo is working to expand its WeGo Link program into three new zones as part of a pilot program that started in July. New pilot zones are now operating in areas serving the Adventure Science Center, Bell Road and Opry Mills in Nashville, Tenn. The service provides discounted trips to select transit stops through Uber or Mobility Solutions.

Riders can download a reusable voucher on the WeGo website and receive up to $8 off each WeGo Link ride they book with Uber, with most rides costing customers $2. Riders will need to have QuickTicket or exact cash for the bus part of the trip. Mobility Solutions is available riders who need wheelchair accessibility, would like to use cash for their trip or are under 17 years old.

YRT

On-Request will now offer more travel options to expand into regions where YRT routes are not available in Ontario, Canada. If a route is available, On-Request will drop riders off at the nearest bus stop.

Riders will now travel to/from any address if a YRT route is not available for the following services:

• On-Request Newmarket-Aurora-Oak Ridges
• On-Request Holland Landing-Mount Albert
• On-Request King
• On-Request Kleinburg-Nashville
• On-Request North
• On-Request Stouffville

On-Request has also extended hours across some services to allow for a more flexible travel option. Improved booking features have also been made to better provide seamless connections and experience, including real-time updates.