Facing slackening demand for its bus service, the City of Visalia has unveiled its latest initiative, an on-demand rideshare service called Visalia Connect.
The city embraced a pilot program to run a municipally-operated rideshare program after bus ridership took a precipitous decline following the COVID pandemic and residents continued to embrace the modern convenience of rideshares, Visalia Councilman Steve Nelson told Nexstar.
How it works: Visalia Connect operates with a fleet of seven vans in varying sizes, providing transportation within the city limits to users who simply download the designated app and input their destination.
- Rides on Visalia Connect are set at a flat rate of $5 each, currently subsidized via a grant won by city officials. Depending on the program’s success and total costs without grants, prices could slightly rise.
- However, a ride under the current pilot costs less than a single tank of gas.
- The city is utilizing Visalia Connect’s pilot program to collect data and assess the preferences of residents and their transit preferences.
- Operating hours for the service span from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, ensuring accessible transportation options throughout the day.
- Visalia transit chief Angelina DeRossett told the TV stations that Visalia Connect’s service hours align with those of the city’s fixed-route bus system, promising enhanced availability and flexibility for commuters seeking reliable transportation.
What’s next: Visalia Connect is scheduled for Wednesday, initially catering exclusively to trips within city limits. However, city officials are hoping to collaborate with other municipal leaders to potentially expand the service area beyond current boundaries.
