The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) collaborated with Mountain Empire Older Citizens Inc. to bring on-demand microtransit technology to Wise and Norton Virginia, assisting those who didn’t use a person vehicle get to their destinations in more rural areas. This new microtransit technology allows customers to book trips in real time via a smart phone app or call in number, shortening the wait time for trips and making services more accessible to the community. The technology then routes an available vehicle to pick up and drop off the customer at their desired destination. The technology allows efficient real time routing, trip sharing, mobile payment, and flexible scheduling within a defined service zone. The service is providing major benefits in the communities of Wise and Norton. The service has allowed residents to gain and maintain employment. It has also been successful in increasing residents’ access to social services including drug rehabilitation programs.
America's Transportation Awards 