Southern Nevada’s Regional Transportation Commission is launching a pilot-on-demand carpooling program.
Similar to Uber and Lyft, the RTC OnDemand program allows customers to order a ride within a 30 square mile service area. Area customers can be picked up at their door for $ 2 each way and dropped off at various locations in the zone. A short walk may be required for a driver to reach their final destination.
The new service also benefits paratransit customers by offering a door-to-door service in the entire valley-wide service area of the RTC. Paratransit drivers can use the service for USD 3 each way.
Residents in West Henderson and the Southwest Valley can use the service during the pilot program. If they need to travel anywhere outside of the 30 square mile service area, the RTC service will drop them off at a bus stop on the edge of the service area.
“RTC prides itself on investing in the community by continuing to test new technology through pilot projects such as RTC-OnDemand,” said RTC CEO MJ Maynard in a statement. “By focusing on technology and new ways of providing our customers with efficient transit, we can offer universal transit options where our paratransit customers can share trips with transit customers with fixed routes.”
Interested residents can order a ride via the OnDemand smartphone app or website or by calling 702-676-1801. Drivers must be at least 6 years old to drive alone or to order a ride with the service.
The service will operate seven days a week between 4 a.m. and 1:45 a.m., with rides expected to arrive within 30 minutes of ordering. Once a driver arrives at the pick-up point, there is a two-minute wait for OnDemand users and a five-minute wait for paratransit drivers.
The vehicles used in the service are ADA-accessible for wheelchair users, offer space for up to 12 people, offer WiFi on board and have bike racks.
RTC-OnDemand offers trips on customer request instead of the drivers having to plan their trip according to a bus schedule. Trips can be planned up to seven days in advance or for the same day within 30 minutes.
Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.
