The City of Valdosta will launch Valdosta On-Demand, a dynamically-routed on-demand public transit service on April 27. In partnership with Via, the leader in TransitTech, Valdosta On-Demand will expand access to affordable, efficient, and convenient public transit for all riders within the city limits.

“Providing Valdosta residents public transportation has been a consistent goal of elected officials and city administration. This On-Demand service is the perfect way for us to test out a new, more flexible way for riders to make trips to the store, to school, to the doctor or other locations in the city,” said Valdosta City Manager Mark Barber. “I’m thrilled to implement this affordable and convenient transit system to our community. We hope to continue finding creative ways to reduce traffic on our roadways while also attracting new riders to this transit system.”

Using the Valdosta On-Demand mobile app anyone within the city limits, residents and workers will be able to hail a vehicle directly from their smartphone or by calling the call center at (229) 441-2940. Via’s advanced algorithms create quick and efficient trips by matching passengers and vehicles together in real time and directing riders to a nearby “virtual bus stop” for pick up and drop off. The service will offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles and offer door-to-door service for those with limited mobility. 

“We believe this microtransit, on demand model is a perfect fit for Valdosta and communities similar in size. We were able to think outside the box and partner with Via, to offer this new innovative public transit solution to residents and visitors in the City of Valdosta,” said Mayor Scott James Matheson. “We hope this service will have high ridership and be a quick and efficient option for anyone in our community. What’s so great about this system and working with Via is that our on-demand service will be flexible. Overtime as we monitor ridership and common destinations, ride times, etc. we can expand and make changes to accommodate demands.”

The partnership with the City of Valdosta is Via’s first in Georgia. Via is already working with more than 200partners in over 20 countries to help connect more people to transit, including Green Bay Metro, Columbus Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), and Sydney’s Transport for New South Wales.

How to book a ride:

1. Create an account. Download the Valdosta On-Demand app from the App Store or Google Play store and follow the simple signup steps.

2. Book a ride. Enter your pickup and drop-off addresses and choose the ride option that works for you — if you’re ready to leave right away, tap Book This Ride. If you want to schedule a ride in advance, hit the Schedule button and choose the day/time you want to travel.

3. Meet your driver. Check the app to find out exactly where to meet the vehicle, which may be a short walk from the address you gave us.

Safety measures Valdosta On-Demand is taking to lessen COVID-19 exposure.

We’re working hard to ensure that every trip you take is as safe and worry-free as possible. Here is what we’ve put in place:

• Face masks required. Everyone on board is required to wear a face mask or face covering. Passengers not wearing a face mask may be refused service.

• Wellness checks. In-app wellness checks help make sure passengers and drivers are symptom-free and ready to ride before they get going. Please stay home if you have either been diagnosed with COVID-19, think you’re exhibiting symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who has recently tested positive.

• Limited vehicle capacity. Vehicle capacity is limited in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Additionally, in vehicles with automatic doors, please wait for the driver to open and close the door to avoid touching the handles.

Regular vehicle cleaning. Vehicles are being professionally cleaned regularly and we’ve provided drivers with cleaning supplies in order to perform frequent and thorough wipe downs of the vehicle interior, with extra focus on common surfaces and high-contact areas. They’re also equipped with plastic partitions between drivers and riders.