Via is available Monday through Saturday, with service hours running from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition to the app, customers may call Via at 817-784-7382 to book a ride. Rides are $3 per person, per trip, or customers can purchase a ViaPass for a promotional rate of $15 per week. Sign up for a Via account to receive alerts and coupon codes.
Customers can book a seat through the Via app, and Via's sophisticated technology will match them with others going their way.
"Via's algorithms put people in the right vans going in the right direction very efficiently," Winkelblech said. "Passengers aren't waiting on a bus schedule. It's a really easy, intuitive service to use."
In order to keep up with demand for this popular rideshare service, Via recently added a few privately-owned vehicles to its fleet of 10 Mercedes Metris six-passenger vans to transport customers in the Arlington service area. All contracted drivers still go through the same rigorous registration process as those who drive the Metris vans and their privately-owned vehicles meet all City and state requirements. Via only plans to use non-Metris vehicles when the company does not have enough vehicles to meet demand.
The City of Arlington is contributing approximately one third of the project cost, in the amount of $322,500, with the remainder coming from the Federal Transit Administration. The contract period is for one-year, with four one-year renewal options. The Arlington City Council will consider a contract extension this fall.
Data collected through the rideshare service will help shape the City Council's future transportation planning decisions.
"Every city in America is now looking at solutions to transportation and Via is the answer," Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said. "We are so excited about the difference that Via has made in our community."
Click here to learn more about the Via Rideshare Service in Arlington.