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SACRAMENTO, CA – The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is pleased to announce the soft launch of its new shared-use mobility program on December 17, 2024. SacRT Flex is a limited subsidized neighborhood shuttle service for a limited group of qualified riders, including seniors (age 62+), low-income individuals, and persons with disabilities.
SacRT Flex, a new program operated by Via, will officially start service on Thursday, January 2, 2025. SacRT Flex is designed to provide greater accessibility and mobility for riders with the greatest transportation needs. During the soft launch phase, eligible riders are invited to test the new service and familiarize themselves with its features.
“This new program, although not a replacement for SmaRT Ride, ensures that we continue to meet the mobility needs of our community while maintaining fiscal responsibility and optimizing resources,” said SacRT General Manager/CEO Henry Li. “We are excited to introduce a program that prioritizes accessibility and convenience for those who need it most.”
SacRT Flex is operated by Via, the same vendor previously responsible for scheduling the SmaRT Ride service. For the SacRT Flex program, Via manages the app, schedules the trips, maintains the vehicles, provides the drivers, and collects the fare revenue – ensuring a seamless experience for riders. SacRT Flex is being funded by Measure A as a pilot for the next 18 months. Measure A is a Sacramento County program that funds transportation projects and services through a half-cent sales tax.
- Key details about SacRT Flex:
- Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (excluding most holidays).
- Service Areas: SacRT Flex will operate in the same nine zones as SmaRT Ride: Citrus Heights-Antelope-Orangevale, Arden-Carmichael, Downtown-Midtown, Elk Grove, Florin-Gerber, Folsom, Franklin-South Sacramento, Natomas-North Sacramento, and Rancho Cordova.
- Ride Requests: Rides must be booked at least 24 hours in advance (up to two days in advance) using Via’s SacRT Flex app or by phone. Same-day requests are not available at this time.
- Cost: $2.50 per trip for eligible riders and adult companions; free for children riding with parents.
To ride Via’s SacRT Flex service, individuals must first complete an eligibility process. Applications can be submitted online at sacrt.com/applyflex. Via’s SacRT Flex app is also available to download on Google Play and the App Store.
The transition from SmaRT Ride
SmaRT Ride service will continue to operate through Tuesday, December 31, 2024, ensuring a smooth transition for riders. Since the service is only available to eligible riders, SacRT Flex is not a replacement service for Smart Ride. However, our goal is to enable access for riders with the greatest transportation needs based on the limited funding available.
The decision to end SmaRT Ride and add the limited SacRT Flex program was driven by a commitment to fiscal sustainability and service efficiency. While SmaRT Ride provided a valuable service since its inception as a pilot program in 2018, its annual operating costs significantly exceeded available funding.
For more information about SacRT Flex, including application details, service zones, and a full list of features visit sacrt.com/flex.
SacRT is an award-winning agency, receiving the American Public Transportation Association’s Outstanding Public Transportation System of the Year in North America as well as several other national awards for innovation in safety and security. SacRT operates approximately 82 bus routes (fixed-route and micro transit); 43 miles of light rail serving 53 stations; and ADA paratransit services all within a 440-square-mile service area throughout Sacramento County, which includes service in the cities of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove, Folsom, and Rancho Cordova.