Case Study: RIDE Wilson achieves 100% citywide transit coverage without increasing budget with Via

Paving the Way for Economic Mobility in a Rural Community

Ride Wilson, NC faced declining, geographically limited public transit: its fixed-route bus network—designed for downtown commuters—no longer served dispersed job centers or community needs. To expand coverage and improve efficiency without raising costs, the City partnered with Via and in September 2020 launched an on-demand microtransit service branded RIDE.

Via replaced fixed routes with a fleet of 10 on-demand, wheelchair-accessible vans offering corner-to-corner service, phone booking and low-cost fares; Via also supported targeted marketing and helped secure an FTA grant to extend hours. The Via-powered RIDE increased coverage from roughly 40% to 100% (a 60% increase) with 0% budget increase, averages over 300 rides per day (up from 55 during the pandemic), maintains a 4.9/5 rider rating, and sees 75% of trips booked via the Via Rider App.

Ride Wilson

Grant Goings

City Manager