Via, the global leader in TransitTech, is proud to announce its role as the new operations and software company for the existing “Brant Transit” microtransit program, in partnership with the County of Brant.
Since Via took over operations on January 2, 2024, Brant Transit has doubled ridership and dramatically reduced trip times. In six weeks, Via has increased the amount of on-demand rides available to community members in the County of Brant, while also creating a more efficient, rider-friendly experience
While the new and improved service has only been live for a month and a half, Brant Transit has significantly increased the number of available rides as compared to previous years, an accomplishment earned through Via’s industry-leading expertise in driver management and intelligent trip-routing algorithms.
The service allows anyone in the County of Brant to book a ride by app or by calling a dedicated phone number. Via’s flexible algorithms match riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle, creating quick and efficient shared trips that allow citizens to travel anywhere within the County of Brant, or between the County of Brant and the City of Brantford.
The new Via-powered Brant Transit app features the following upgrades, all of which are designed to improve the rider and driver experience:
● Ability to plan ahead: Riders gain the ability to pre-book rides up to 14 days in advance.
● Real-time ride tracking: See where your driver is, and where you are on your route. ● Regular reminders: Riders receive reminder notifications the day before, 30 minutes before, and 5 minutes before the arrival of a scheduled trip.
● Improved rider-driver communication: Riders can call their driver from the app if they cannot find them – phone numbers will remain secure for both sides. A new “notes” feature allows riders to share additional ride details when booking.
The County of Brant joins more than 650 communities around the world who are using Via’s platform and operations to power their transportation services, including in the Niagara Region, York Region Transit, and Durham Region Transit, all some of Canada’s largest on-demand public transit programs.
Community members are encouraged to download the new Brant Transit mobile app, available now in the App Store and Google Play.
About Via
Founded in 2012, Via pioneered the TransitTech category by using new technologies to develop public mobility systems, optimizing networks of buses, shuttles, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, school buses, autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicles around the globe. Building the world’s most efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation network for all passengers, including those with limited mobility, those without smartphones, and unbanked populations, Via works with its partners to lower the costs of public transit while providing transportation options that rival the convenience of a personal car while reducing environmental impact. At the intersection of transportation and technology, Via is a visionary market leader that combines software innovation with sophisticated service design and operational expertise to fundamentally improve the way the world moves, providing technology in 650 communities and more than 35 countries and counting.
