Sacramento Regional Transit will discontinue its on-demand microtransit service, SmaRT Ride, at the end of December.
The program allowed customers to call a shuttle to pick them up and drop them off at areas inside service boundaries. The program currently serves portions of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, Natomas, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights and Antelope.
The transit district will roll out a new shared-use mobility pilot program called SacRT Flex in place of SmaRT ride.
SmaRT ride, which began operation in 2018, was initially funded through a one-time $14 million grant from Measure A’s Neighborhood Shuttle program. However, the program’s operating costs exceed available funding, SacRT spokesperson Jessica Gonzalez said, with each ride costing more than other services like buses and the light rail.
“After a thorough evaluation of SmaRT Ride’s performance and financial sustainability, SacRT made the difficult decision to transition to SacRT Flex,” Gonzalez said. “This change allows SacRT to continue providing on-demand transportation while being more fiscally responsible.”
According to a press release, SacRT Flex aims to prioritize eligible riders with transportation needs, such as people with disabilities, low-income residents, and older adults.
The design of the new SacRT Flex vehicle.Sacramento Regional TransitSacRT Flex riders can expect the same operating hours: From Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. They’ll also have shared-ride service by phone or app, 100% wheel-chair accessible vehicles, and more.
New features that riders can expect from the new SacRT flex include a flat rate of $2.50 per trip for all customers, advanced booking for all rides, fewer vehicles operating in each zone to reduce costs, standard passenger vans that will have wheelchair spaces and more.
Eligible riders who are older adults, disabled, low-income riders, or applying for a minor in a low-income household would have to apply in advance to utilize the new service.
The new service will begin on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
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