Case Study: VIA Metropolitan Transit reduces cost per passenger by 20% with RideCo on-demand microtransit

On-Demand Transit Reduces Cost Per Passenger by 20%

VIA Metropolitan Transit partnered with RideCo to address underperforming fixed bus routes in low-density Northeast San Antonio. The area’s 19-square-mile service zone had limited transit hub access, low trip frequency, and bus productivity below 15 boardings per vehicle hour, making the existing routes inefficient and costly.

RideCo implemented a fully on-demand microtransit solution using twelve ADA-accessible, bike-rack-equipped 5-seat vans with pickup and drop-off at 425+ virtual stops, operated by Yellow Cab San Antonio. The service surpassed its launch goals within 14 weeks, delivered 5.0 weekday pax/vehicle hour, reduced wait times to 12 minutes, and cut cost per passenger by 20% (from $11 to $7), while improving access to transit hubs and earning a 4.7-star average trip rating.

VIA Metropolitan Transit

Jeffrey C. Arndt

President & CEO