SamTrans will extend free van rides on its "microtransit" service in the East Palo Alto and Half Moon Bay areas through the end of October.
The transit agency said in a statement Monday that its curb-to-curb Ride Plus service, which launched June 18 with a free promotional period through July, will continue free rides for three more months.
According to SamTrans, more than a thousand passengers have traveled using its microtransit service.
The agency defines microtransit as a ride service similar to ride-sharing apps that offers riders more flexibility, and was identified in SamTrans's strategic plan several years ago as a service model that could be used in areas that pose challenges for fixed route service due to issues such as narrow streets, unique land uses, or gaps in a local pedestrian network.
Ride Plus currently serves two areas, Half Moon Bay and East Palo Alto, which also includes the Belle Haven neighborhood of Menlo Park. Riders can also use Ride Plus to connect to SamTrans bus routes for travel outside their area, SamTrans said.
“East Palo Alto/Belle Haven ridership data shows the service really gained popularity during its first month of operation with 811 total trips. In the area that Half Moon Bay covers, the numbers show 371 trips through July 18," the transit agency said.
Those interested can book a ride to their destination via the Ride Plus app or a quick phone call, as long as the ride is within Ride Plus zones.
After the promotional period, the Ride Plus service will charge the same fare as regular SamTrans buses, according to the transit agency.
"Clipper, cash and passes are accepted at Ride Plus. Users of the Clipper and SamTrans mobile app ?available in the Apple App and Google Play stores? they also enjoy free two-hour transfers when they pay with Clipper, so connecting to and from the fixed-route service is easy and affordable,” said SamTrans.
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