Enhancing Accessibility: RideCo and RTA Partnership
RideCo, a prominent player in cloud-based on-demand transit solutions, has broadened its collaboration with the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA), aiming to revolutionize ADA paratransit services. This partnership, which began in 2022, has led to the introduction of an advanced origin-to-destination paratransit system designed specifically for individuals with disabilities.
The newly launched service addresses several critical aspects of accessibility in public transit. It features a smooth eligibility determination process, allowing users to book rides independently while enhancing the transparency of trips. Moreover, it introduces dynamic routing and automated scheduling, significantly increasing the efficiency of operations. This approach not only promises improved rider experiences but also positions the agency to gather enhanced performance metrics throughout its paratransit offerings.
Steve Hemenway, RTA Board Chair, emphasized the importance of these innovations, stating, "Providing innovative and efficient transportation options is crucial for our community. It plays a vital role in enabling access to employment, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life. Our objective has always been to support those relying on accessible, demand-responsive services."
Prem Gururajan, Co-Founder and CEO of RideCo, echoed these sentiments, stating that his team is committed to assisting RTA in realizing their accessibility objectives. He expressed optimism about the outcomes they could achieve together, particularly as they advance the new ADA paratransit initiative.
In recent years, RTA has successfully implemented significant improvements, which laid a strong foundation for this newest venture. Noteworthy advancements include launching their microtransit initiative, GoMicro, and upgrading the fare collection system to enhance the rider payment experience. Looking ahead, the agency plans to integrate zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell buses into its fleet, further modernizing its service offerings. This transition toward sustainability is part of RTA’s commitment to providing eco-friendly transit alternatives while also ramping up its ADA services.
The partnership between RideCo and RTA represents more than just operational enhancements; it symbolizes a commitment to shaping a transit environment that is inclusive and supports all community members. By prioritizing rider needs and leveraging cutting-edge technology, they are collectively paving the way for improved accessibility that aligns with contemporary community demands.
For more information about RTA’s expanded services and initiatives, community members can contact them directly.
For more details about RideCo and their innovative transit solutions, please visit
www.rideco.com. The collaborative efforts between RideCo and RTA not only enhance the transit experience in Riverside but act as a model for communities aiming to foster an inclusive public transport system.