As smartphones become essential for transit, rural agencies risk being left behind as their flexible dial-a-ride services are often invisible on such platforms. This $2.4 million Minnesota Department of Transportation regional Mobility-as-a-Service project addresses this by integrating advanced trip planning technology into communities across Greater Minnesota. The project allows 13 partner agencies to offer their services through a major transit app, attracting over 10,000 monthly users. For the first time, rural transit riders can plan, book, and pay for dial-a-ride services directly within the app. MnDOT’s use of open architecture and data standards enables the Transit app to support these non-fixed route services and sets the stage for other platforms like Google and Apple Maps to do the same. This innovation helps rural residents discover and access transit services 24/7 with a ride-hail-like experience, rather than relying on business hours for trip requests.
America's Transportation Awards 