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Via > Case Studies > OnDemand by Sarasota County: A Revolution in Public Transit
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OnDemand by Sarasota County: A Revolution in Public Transit

Applicable Industries
  • Transportation
Use Cases
  • Public Transportation Management
  • Transportation Simulation
The Challenge
Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT) embarked on a mission to redesign their entire public transit network in 2018. The challenge was to create a service that could cater to the unique size and characteristics of their communities, serve both residents and tourists, and provide easy connections to transit hubs. The previous service was inefficient, with long wait times of up to 60 minutes, and was not able to adequately serve the needs of the community. The goal was to create a more efficient, cost-effective, and enjoyable rider experience that would be accessible to more people.
About The Customer
The customers of OnDemand by Sarasota County are the residents and tourists of Sarasota County. The service caters to a wide range of users, from locals commuting to work or school, to tourists visiting the beach and downtown areas. The service is particularly beneficial for those living in residential areas with major transit hubs, providing them with a convenient and efficient means of transportation. The reduced wait times and cost per ride have made the service popular among users, leading to a significant increase in daily rides.
The Solution
In partnership with Via, SCAT launched OnDemand by Sarasota County in 2021. This microtransit system operates in four distinct zones in Sarasota County, including the center of beach and tourist life, the downtown areas of the two cities, and several residential areas with major transit hubs. The service is curb-to-curb, with trips beginning and ending within the zone, and pickups are guaranteed within 30 minutes of reservation. The service quickly surpassed all ridership expectations, reaching 250 rides per day within weeks, far exceeding the projected 70-80 per day. Wait times were significantly reduced to an average of 15.5 minutes, and the cost per ride also decreased significantly in several service zones.
Operational Impact
  • The implementation of OnDemand by Sarasota County has revolutionized public transit in the area. The service has not only exceeded ridership expectations but also significantly improved the efficiency of the transit system. The reduced wait times and cost per ride have made the service more accessible and attractive to users, leading to an increase in daily rides. The service has also been successful in catering to the diverse needs of the community, serving both residents and tourists. The success of the service demonstrates the potential of microtransit systems in improving public transit.
Quantitative Benefit
  • The service zone covers 93 square miles.
  • The service provides over 620 daily rides.
  • The average wait time has been reduced from 60 minutes to 15.5 minutes.

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