Moovit and Wave Transit have upgraded an on-demand transit service that now allows riders to pay for shared transit trips via an app in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Until now, the RideMicro pilot programme operated a phone-based request and dispatch service for the vehicles.
The new RideMicro app lets users plan public and shared transportation journeys with real-time arrival information as well as hail on-demand rides.
Moovit says the app suggests the most efficient routes, directs passengers to a nearby pick-up location and provides real-time tracking.
Additionally, the solution combines official information from local transit agencies as well as crowdsourced information to calculate the best route for each journey. It also provides a 'Live Directions' feature with 'Get Off' alerts to provide guidance for the entire journey, and 'Service Alerts' so users can avoid disruptions and plan their journey.
According to Moovit, the modernised service provides more connections from Wilmington's surrounding areas to its fixed routes and shortened walk and wait times.
The service will connect to main transportation hubs in the area such as University of North Carolina Wilmington, Cape Fear’s campuses, Battleship Wilmington and Gordon Station.
Wave Transit executive director Marie Parker says: “Helping more people safely and efficiently commute to work, school, shopping, appointments, or just for entertainment has never been easier or more cost effective. RideMicro fills in the gaps where one option may be too expensive and another option may not be convenient.”
Uli Gal-Oz, vice president of business development at Moovit, says: “Moovit has worked with hundreds of transit agencies and listened to the needs of passengers around the world to gain a great understanding of travel demands which has helped shape this service for Wilmington residents — flexible transit, when you want it, with contactless mobile payments.”
Those using the app can book and pay for rides in Brunswick, Pender, and New Hanover counties from 7:00-10:00am and 12:00-7:30pm during weekdays.
