News

Metro Transit and Via Launching New On-Demand Transit Service in the St. Louis Region

New service to open in two locations on June 29

Metro Transit is partnering with Via, the world’s leader in public mobility solutions, to launch a new on-demand transit service for the St. Louis region on Monday, June 29. The new service, called Via Metro STL, will be introduced in two areas – in southwest St. Louis County including Fenton and Valley Park, and in North St. Louis County.

With Via Metro STL, transit riders in these two parts of the region will be able to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone using the Via app, and can travel to any location within the service area during operating hours. Via Metro STL is a shared ride service, and Via’s advanced technology matches multiple passengers headed in the same direction to provide quick and efficient shared trips, without lengthy detours or inconvenient schedules.

The on-demand service will be available in the Fenton/Valley Park area seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and in North St. Louis County seven days a week from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m. Transit riders will be able to try Via Metro STL service for free through the end of August. After August, rides on Via Metro STL will cost $2.

“We are very excited to introduce this new on-demand service. Via Metro STL provides our customers with a convenient and affordable transportation option that they can request when they need it, directly from their phone or mobile device,” said Jessica Mefford-Miller, Executive Director of Metro Transit. “The mobility needs of the St. Louis region are constantly evolving. Innovative on-demand and microtransit options like Via Metro STL allow us to grow and adapt to better meet the changing needs of our customers.”

Requesting a ride on Via Metro STL is easy. Using the Via app, transit riders can book their ride by selecting pickup and drop-off location within the service area. Once a ride is booked, riders are directed to their exact pickup spot, and they can see the real-time location of their vehicle, the driver’s name and other information to help them spot their ride.

“Cities and public transit agencies across the country are increasingly turning to technology to enable affordable, efficient and convenient mobility options that complement and extend existing public transit infrastructure,” said Daniel Ramot, Via CEO and co-founder. “We are proud to partner with Metro Transit to introduce an on-demand public transit system in St. Louis and support the community and its residents’ transportation needs.”

Transit riders without a smartphone or who require a wheelchair-accessible vehicle can book their trips on VIA Metro STL by calling 636-251-3328. For more information about the new on-demand service, visit metrostlouis.org/via.

Via Metro STL is a 12-month pilot program to explore on-demand transportation options as part of Metro Transit’s services. The Via app is available for download on iOS and Android devices.

About Metro Transit: Metro Transit operates the St. Louis region’s public transportation system which includes 400 cleanburning diesel buses that serve 77 MetroBus routes in eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. Metro also operates MetroLink light rail vehicles on 46 miles of track serving 38 stations in the two-state area, and operates Metro Call‑A‑Ride, a paratransit fleet of 122 vans. Metro Transit is a Bi-State Development enterprise.

About Via: Via is re-engineering public transit, from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, ondemand network. Via’s mobile app connects multiple passengers who are headed the same way, allowing riders to seamlessly share a premium vehicle. First launched in New York City in September 2013, the Via platform operates in the United States and in Europe through its joint venture with Mercedes-Benz Vans, ViaVan. Via’s technology is also deployed worldwide through dozens of partner projects with public transportation agencies, private transit operators, taxi fleets, private companies, and universities, seamlessly integrating with public transit infrastructure to power cutting-edge ondemand mobility. For more information, visit www.platform.ridewithvia.com.