NORFOLK – Hampton Roads Transit’s OnDemand service will be extended for one month in response to strong demand for the service.OnDemand began July 10 in select areas of Newport News and Virginia Beach, offering residents an easy and affordable way to get around town. The service allows customers within designated service zones to request a shared ride using a smartphone app.
Rides are booked using the HRT OnDemand mobile app (available in the Apple Store and on Google Play) or by calling (757) 979-2955.
Once a ride is entered with pickup and drop-off locations, the system provides ride options for time and location. Riders are directed to a nearby “virtual bus stop,” located within a short distance and a driver is dispatched to meet them at that location. Customers are picked up in a van displaying the HRT logo and rideshare brand.
Rides are shared by users. Passengers will have a seat based on availability. Since the program began, OnDemand has provided 20,722 trips to 24,144 riders.
The goal of HRT OnDemand is to explore how on-demand transportation can be used to expand the region’s access to flexible, equitable mobility, and to make it easier for residents to connect with existing public transit options.
“It’s exciting to see strong interest in this program. We’re hopeful that OnDemand can become a standard transit option for the region, especially in areas that are currently underserved.”
William E. Harrell, President, and CEO of HRT
OnDemand operates Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. The ride costs just $2. Students enrolled in the Student Freedom Pass program and paratransit-certified users ride free. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available.
HRT OnDemand is funded through a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and the Cities of Newport News and Virginia Beach. The program is powered by technology by Via, the global leader in TransitTech. Via builds innovative software that enables cities, transit agencies, transport operators, school districts, universities, and corporations to transform legacy transportation systems into advanced digital networks.