GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay Metro Transit is launching the pilot program for it’s new micro-transit service. GBM On-Demand is now available.
“It’s the first micro-transit system in the state of Wisconsin, so we’re super excited for this,” says Green Bay Metro Transit Director Patty Kiewiz, “We have a some areas sometimes that transit is definitely needed, but maybe not with the high demand as some of our other routes.”
The pilot program will focus mostly on the city’s east side – replacing existing fixed routes 15, 16, and 18. It will not service high-traffic areas, like the stops along West Mason Street. It will mainly serve areas where demand isn’t quite as high.
Green Bay Metro Transit has teamed up with Via Transportation for the service. Via Transportation also provides para-transit services for the city. The program is ADA-accessible, like all of Green Bay Metro Transit’s services.
Green Bay Metro Transit displays the ADA-accessibility of the new GBM On-Demand vehicle. (PHOTO/WTAQ News)
“For individuals who are six, seven, eight blocks off of a fixed route line, or even more than that – this on demand gives you the ability that when you go into the app, it’ll set to pick you up at your corner,” Kiewiz tells WTAQ News, “You can go on that app and you book your ride. Typically service times are going to be about 15 minutes, but we do say within 30 minutes you’ll be able to get your trip.”
Using the mobile app, GBM On-Demand will connect multiple passengers traveling in the same direction, allowing for real-time booking and flexible travel around three service zones in the city. For those without smartphones, have no fear, there’s a phone number you can call to book your ride.
All fares that Green Bay Metro has as a system will apply to the new mode of transportation as well. The goal is to compliment any services the transit center already offers. Riders can pay directly through the app with a credit card, use a Green Bay Metro ticket or a weekly or monthly pass.
Another possibility for GBM On-Demand – serving people living in nearby communities who need to get to work in Green Bay – or vice-versa.
“This is just the first step of opportunities down the road for us, especially as we look at some of the other communities that may need transportation services but can’t afford public transportation,” Kiewiz explains.
Rides can be booked between zones 1 and 2, and within zone 2 during daytime service hours, which run from 5:45 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 8:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. on Saturday.
But the biggest game-changer is set to kick off next week. A third-shift overnight service that will reach even the furthest stretches of the Green Bay area. For example: If someone needs a ride to their shift on the south side of De Pere, they might have a new option.
“It may not be 20 people an hour that go out there, but there’s still that need for individuals to get to places of employment, especially with night service, third shift has been something that has been a challenge for us,” Kiewiz says.
“I’m also really excited about that late night option that we’re going to be making available next week, Monday. This is going to be a very attractive option for people who might not be transit-reliant,” says Green Bay Mayor Eric Genrich, “An option for people who might be able to take a car, but in this instance it’s going to be an easier way to get around – or maybe a safer way to get around for folks. So this is an exciting day for Green Bay.”
The late night service extends rides to all locations within zones 1, 2, and 3 during the evening hours of 7:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Monday to Friday.
As the GBM On-Demand service kicks off, there is still analysis being made of how, and where, the service is being utilized.
“This will give us that opportunity to say ‘Okay, maybe we only need to run one of these to get these folks to the third shift,’” Kiewiz says, “We’re hoping that it meets the needs of the community plus it’s sustainable and cost efficient from a budget perspective as well.”
GBM On-Demand is available on the Apple Store and Google Play.
