Metro Transit has partnered with Via, the world’s leader in public mobility solutions, to launch a new on-demand shared ride service for the St. Louis region.
The new service, called Via Metro STL, will service two areas – in southwest St. Louis County, including Fenton and Valley Park, and in St. Louis County. It begins on on Monday, June 29. The partnership is a 12-month pilot program to explore on-demand transportation options as part of Metro Transit’s services.
Transit riders 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. The app matches multiple passengers headed in the same direction to provide quick and efficient shared trips, without lengthy detours or inconvenient schedules. 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.
The on-demand service will be available in the Fenton and Valley Park area, from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, and in North St. Louis County, from 11:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., seven days a week. Transit riders will be able to try Via Metro STL service for free through the end of August. Beginning in September, rides on Via Metro STL will cost $2.
The Via app is available for download on iOS and Android devices.