MV has partnered with the City of Santa Clarita, California since 2008, maintaining and operating all transit services including both fixed-route and paratransit services. In 2021, with significant disruption on transit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City was interested in attracting its citizens back to public transit with an on-demand microtransit service that offered the flexibility of a traditional ride-share service along with the added benefit of fixed rates and professional drivers.
Leveraging MV professional services expertise, MV developed and implemented a pilot utilizing the Tripshot platform and mobile app to permit users to select desired pick-up and drop-off locations within a targeted service area. Customers are also able to request rides via a phone number.
Following a trip request, the app provides passengers with an estimated pick-up time, real-time bus tracking, and an alert when their ride is about to arrive or about to reach their desired destination. Riders pay as they board using cash, TAP card or the Token Transit app.
MV implemented the new service, named GO! Santa Clarita, in just 30-days with minimal capital or start-up expense. With very positive rider feedback, the City subsequently increased the service area and fleet resulting in a significant rise in daily ridership – reaching 5,000 total trips within the first 6 months.
Today, GO! Santa Clarita is available Monday through Friday 6:00am to 8:00pm, Saturdays 8:00am to 10:00pm and Sundays 8:00am to 9:00pm, with MV maintaining a pick-up guarantee within 15 minutes of a ride request.