The advent of small scale, flexible transit service – also known as microtransit – is shaping the way travelers get around. Recently launched on-demand microtransit programs from Riverside County transit providers have riders excited – and for good reason. With a few taps of a smartphone app or a short phone call, riders can plan and book rides to bus stops, schools, local businesses, doctor appointments, and other popular destinations. These rides are often less expensive than common ride-hailing apps allowing for residents from underserved communities to also use the service.

GoMicro, the popular on-demand microtransit service from Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), offers shared rides in the Hemet-San Jacinto microtransit zone that overlays existing RTA fixed routes. The GoMicro service made its much-anticipated debut in December 2022, providing nearly 3,000 rides in its first 30 days of service. Booking a ride is as easy as downloading the RTA GoMicro Transit App, creating an account, and requesting a pickup. Trips can also be booked through the GoMicro webpage or by calling 951-633-2629. GoMicro service operates Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

GoMicro’s surging popularity has prompted the need for additional funding to extend the service. Earlier this year, RCTC worked closely with RTA to assemble a grant application for the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Early Action Planning (REAP 2.0) grants program. As a result of the joint effort, a $2,378,635 grant was awarded that will allow RTA to extend the pilot program an additional 12 months and to implement similar on-demand microtransit service in other areas in the region.

In the sunny Coachella Valley, SunLine Transit Agency’s microtransit service – SunRide – has also proven to be a popular option amongst riders. The on-demand service launched in two Coachella Valley zones and has recently expanded service to seven zones that includes Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs-Desert Edge, Indio, Mecca-North Shore, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs. SunRide connects riders to SunLine’s fixed route network and serves more than 100 destinations that include John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, DMV, schools, parks, and shopping centers. Riders can plan, book, and keep track of trips through the official SunRide mobile app or by calling SunRide Customer Service at 760-343-3450. The service is currently available Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Through these exciting new transit services, RTA, SunLine, and agency partners are focused on offering expanded mobility solutions to meet the diverse needs of Riverside County’s growing population.

Ride-hailing apps have revolutionized how commuters and leisure travelers move around our cities and communities. With just a few clicks, we can request a car to pick us up for medical appointments, dinner with friends, or to go home.

Noting the popularity of these on-demand options, the Riverside Transit Agency will launch its GoMicro service on December 19. With GoMicro, RTA will offer shared rides within the Hemet-San Jacinto microtransit zone that overlays existing RTA fixed routes.

Booking a ride will be as easy as downloading the RTA GoMicro Transit App, creating an account, and requesting a pickup. Unlike other ride-hailing apps, riders can only be dropped at bus stops within the microtransit zone. Riders will be required to reserve rides in advance and should expect a minor wait time.

The app also allows ride-tracking and reserving rides up to seven days in advance. Fares will be the same as regular bus service, with the option to pay on the bus with cash or though the app.

RTA’s GoMicro service will run on ADA-friendly minibuses that hold up to 12 riders. Bike racks and Wi-Fi will be available. The service will operate Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

More details about this exciting service are available at https://www.riversidetransit.com/index.php/gomicro-coming-soon

The Point: Beaumont and Calimesa riders have a new way to travel to Redlands, Loma Linda

Veterans heading to the Jerry Pettis VA Hospital in Loma Linda, patients with medical appointments at Kaiser Permanente in Redlands, shoppers needing a little retail therapy at Citrus Plaza and Mountain Grove Plaza in Redlands, and employees at each of these locations have a new travel option with the Beaumont Pass Transit’s Commuter 125 service.

The new weekday service began in September with four morning and four afternoon loops between 7 a.m. and 6:05 p.m. Stops include the Beaumont Walmart, Beaumont Civic Center, Calimesa Stater Bros., Citrus Plaza, Kaiser Redlands Medical Offices, Loma Linda VA Hospital, Calimesa Dollar Tree, and Beaumont Wells Fargo.

Fares are free for active duty military personnel and either $2 or $3 for other riders.

For information and bus schedules, visit the Beaumont Pass Transit website or call 951-769-8530.

The Point: Transit Training Program Helps Travelers Navigate Affordable System.

The City of Beaumont’s travel training program for public transit passengers offers area residents opportunities to learn how to travel the region utilizing the City’s public transit system.

As an affordable alternative to automotive travel, the program’s motivation is to educate residents about how to use transit as a means to explore and region and connect to popular destinations.

The first class of graduates from the new transit training program graduated this year. Groups of passengers met at the Beaumont Walmart and boarded Pass Transit’s service to San Bernardino Metrolink.

From there, they took the Metrolink train to LA Union Station, where riders can connect to destinations throughout the Greater Los Angeles region.

City staff note that residents often have a desire to try transit but do not know how to plan and execute the trip. That’s where Pass Transit steps in to educate people about how to travel without a car. The transit training program helps familiarize residents to public transportation options, overcoming uncertainties about using our regional transit system.

As the public transportation agency for Riverside County, the Riverside County Transportation Commission supports public transit use countywide and is a funding partner for all country transit agencies, including Pass Transit.

The program has grown in the past few months, graduating 14 trainees in July, 17 in August, and 18 in September. Reservations for upcoming travel training trips are fielded by Pass Transit staff. While the program now has a waiting list, you can learn more about the program by calling Pass Transit at 951.769.8530 or visit PassTransit.com.