Tag: Paratransit

Spare Secures $42M in Series B Funding to Accelerate Growth in Demand Response Transit Solutions

[ad_1]

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, September 10, 2024 (Newswire.com)
–
Spare, the leading provider of mobility operations software, today announced the successful completion of its Series B funding round, raising $42 million CAD. The funding round was led by Inovia Capital, a longtime partner and lead investor from Spare’s Series A. Other previous investors, including Kensington Capital and Nicola Wealth, also participated.

This new funding will enable Spare to meet the growing demand for innovative transit solutions, particularly in the paratransit sector. As the population ages, the need for efficient, flexible, and responsive transportation services has never been more critical. Spare’s solutions are designed to offer this flexibility and efficiency. The capital will be used to expand Spare’s global reach, allowing more agencies to serve their riders better while accelerating the development of its AI-driven platform.

“We’re incredibly grateful for Inovia’s continued support as our lead investor since day one; their guidance has been instrumental in our growth and success,” said Spare CEO Kristoffer Vik Hansen. “We’re also grateful for the ongoing commitment from Kensington Capital and other strategic investors who have helped push the industry forward. This capital allows us to serve more riders, providing the paratransit community with the great consumer experience they deserve. By harnessing advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, we will further improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness for transit agencies, ultimately enhancing the rider experience, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.”

“This funding round will accelerate Spare’s mission to make transit more accessible by enabling the freedom of mobility,” said Hugues Lalancette, Partner at Inovia Capital. “We continue to be impressed with their world-class product and momentum they’ve built with partners and are confident that this significant investment will help them continue to develop AI-based solutions that meet the evolving needs of transit agencies.”

Spare has recently announced significant partnerships with transit agencies, including Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) in the Bay Area, and GoDurham ACCESS in North Carolina. These agencies use the Spare Platform to power their demand response services, whether ADA-paratransit or microtransit. Spare operates in eight of the 10 largest cities in the United States.

One of the pioneering projects in the paratransit sector has been with CapMetro Access in Austin, Texas, where Spare helped modernize and transform its paratransit services from a decades-old legacy system. This collaboration has set a benchmark for similar services across the country, demonstrating the potential of technology to enhance transit accessibility.

“Spare has been instrumental in helping CapMetro Access transform our paratransit service, making it more efficient and responsive to our community’s needs,” said Art Jackson, VP of Demand Response at CapMetro. “Their innovative platform and dedicated support have allowed us to offer a more equitable transit solution, paving the way for future enhancements and expansions.”

With a strong presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, Spare is the leading provider of demand response transit software. It empowers transit agencies worldwide to deliver efficient, flexible, and responsive transportation services. Focusing on innovation and customer success, Spare’s AI-driven platform is transforming the way cities move.

“As early supporters from the Series A round, we’ve seen Spare evolve from a promising startup to a key player in the transit space,” said Dylan Freeze, Director at Kensington Capital. With this new funding, we’re eager to see Spare drive further innovation and empower more transit agencies to deliver flexible, efficient, and modern services.”

##

About Spare

Spare specializes in providing transit agencies with the technology to modernize ADA-paratransit systems and launch microtransit services. The company focuses on enhancing transportation access for underserved communities, offering a comprehensive suite of software tools tailored to meet each agency’s unique requirements. Spare has powered over 15 million rides globally and partners with top agencies such as DART (Dallas), PSTA (Pinellas County), AC Transit/BART (Oakland), CapMetro (Austin), and Winnipeg Transit. For more information, visit www.sparelabs.com.

About Inovia Capital

Inovia Capital is a venture capital firm that partners with founders to build impactful and enduring global companies. The team leverages an operator-led mindset to provide founders with multi-stage support, mentorship, and access to a worldwide network. Inovia manages over US$2.5B with operations in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, San Francisco, and London. For more information, visit www.inovia.vc.

Source: Spare

[ad_2]

Source link

September 10, 2024
Disability justice groups demand more resources in Detroit’s budget

[ad_1]

Two influential disability justice groups have joined forces to launch a campaign calling for “substantial increases” in funding for people with disabilities in Detroit.

The objective of Fund Disabled Detroiters is to persuade Mayor Mike Duggan’s administration and Detroit City Council to devote more resources for people with disabilities.

Detroit Disability Power and Warrior on Wheels are leading the campaign, which runs through April.

A disproportionate number of Detroiters live with disabilities. According to the 2020 American Community Survey, more than 128,000 Detroiters — or one out of five residents — have at least one disability. By contrast, roughly one out of seven Michigan residents live with disabilities.

“Disability is not a niche issue; it’s a universal concern that can affect anyone at any time,” Lawrence Franklin III, lead organizer with Warriors on Wheels, said in a statement Monday. “By prioritizing disability funding, we’re investing in a Detroit where everyone thrives.”

The campaign is running now because the Detroit City Council is beginning to explore Duggan’s annual budget proposal, which goes into effect on July 1.

In previous years, Detroit Disability Power led a campaign to increase the budget of the Office of Disability Affairs to $1.4 million annually. This year’s campaign is different because it’s taking a more comprehensive approach, calling for increases across multiple departments.

Among the key demands are:

• Adding $3 million to the Department of Election to increase physical accessibility and federal compliance at polling locations. Only 16% of the polling locations in metro Detroit are fully accessible, according to the campaign.

• $7.8 million for the Detroit Department of Transportation to improve paratransit and fixed-route accessibility for buses.

• $25 million to the Department of Public Works to repair sidewalks and ensure greater mobility for people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

The full list of requests is available online.

“This campaign underscores the importance of recognizing that funding for disability extends beyond the Office of Disability Affairs,” NaJaRee Nixon, lead organizer from Detroit Disability Power, said. “It’s about fostering inclusivity and dismantling ableism in every direction our tax dollars flow.”

People with disabilities are more likely to live in poverty or unable to afford essentials, such as housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care, according to a report from the Michigan Association of United Ways and research hub United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).

As part of the campaign, activists are encouraging residents to participate in a letter-writing initiative to urge the council and mayor to support the budget recommendations.

[ad_2]

Steve Neavling

Source link

April 1, 2024
Innovation Meets Accessibility: One of the World’s Largest Automated ADA Paratransit System Successfully Launched by CapMetro & Spare

[ad_1]

AUSTIN, Texas, October 6, 2023 (Newswire.com)
–
In an unprecedented move towards innovation and accessibility, CapMetro today announced a collaboration with Spare to replace its paratransit management system with Spare’s modern ADA paratransit platform. The new platform launched on October 1, 2023.

With this significant shift, CapMetro is making history by implementing one of the world’s largest automated ADA paratransit systems. A nod to Austin’s position as a global hub for technology and innovation, this partnership underscores the commitment to supporting one of the fastest-growing metros in the United States.

“In our ongoing commitment to our customers, it’s important that we leverage innovative technologies to move people, especially our paratransit riders, safely and conveniently,” said Dottie Watkins, CapMetro’s President & CEO. “There have been long-standing challenges in delivering paratransit service that has created a divide between available services and the contemporary needs of our riders. With this collaboration, we’re bridging that gap and reaffirming our dedication to accessibility.”

As of October 1, 2023, the CapMetro Access ADA paratransit service transitioned to using Spare’s automated ADA paratransit platform. Riders now enjoy real-time notifications about their upcoming journeys, allowing them to plan effectively and stay informed. They can receive trip notifications via voice, text, email, or app and have the convenience of hands-free boarding with an enrolled photo ID and credit card for auto-pay fares. On the other hand, dispatchers can now closely monitor day-to-day operations, proactively address challenges, and take measures to fill scheduling gaps or reduce cancellations.

“We are seeing more and more innovative agencies like CapMetro deploy modern ADA paratransit systems. We’re thrilled to partner with CapMetro to deliver one of the largest automated ADA paratransit systems worldwide,” said Kristoffer Vik Hansen, CEO and Co-founder of Spare. “Forward-thinking agencies like CapMetro exemplify how transit providers can evolve to meet rider’s modern expectations. Our mission has always been to make every ride possible and together with CapMetro, we’re realizing that vision on a grand scale.”

Another significant first for CapMetro, with Spare’s technology, is integrating eligibility management directly into reservations, scheduling, and dispatch management. This innovation means digitizing the eligibility process which is an important step to becoming more sustainable and efficient.

“The collaboration with Spare represents more than an upgrade; it’s a reimagining of how we serve our ADA paratransit riders,” commented Chad Ballentine, VP of Demand Response and Innovative Mobility at CapMetro. “We’re proud that this innovation will address the current and future requirements of Austin’s paratransit community, laying the groundwork for further enhancements.”

Together, CapMetro and Spare are redefining the future of paratransit, ensuring that Austin remains at the forefront of inclusive innovation.

##

ABOUT CAPMETRO

CapMetro connects people, jobs and communities by providing Central Texans with safe, high-quality and sustainable transportation alternatives. The agency provides over 63,000 daily trips on its buses, trains, paratransit and vanpool vehicles and serves a population of more than 1.2 million in its 543-square-mile service area. The region’s transportation leader, CapMetro has invested in transit services like its High-Frequency Network, which moves more people, more reliably. CapMetro is committed to increasing regional mobility and, through Project Connect, will transform how people travel throughout Central Texas. Visit capmetro.org for more information.

ABOUT SPARE

At Spare, we empower transit agencies to launch microtransit services and modernize ADA paratransit systems to make every ride possible, especially for the underserved in our communities. Recognizing the unique requirements of each agency, our comprehensive suite of software tools offers the building blocks to tailor reliable and compliant paratransit services. With a track record of powering over 10 million rides globally, and a trusted choice for ADA paratransit by top agencies like APTA’s Agency of the Year, Pinellas Suncoast Transit Agency, Spare is shaping the future of mobility. For more information, visit www.sparelabs.com.

Source: Spare

Related Media

[ad_2]

Source link

October 6, 2023
Spare and Uber Partner to Enhance Public Transit

[ad_1]

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 1, 2023 (Newswire.com)
–
Spare and Uber, industry leaders in transportation, announce a transformative partnership that integrates Spare’s cloud-based on-demand transit platform with Uber’s extensive driver network. This collaboration empowers transit agencies to enhance microtransit and paratransit services using Uber’s network. Large-scale deployments have already been successfully launched in Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), proving the effectiveness of this partnership.

“This is a significant milestone in our mission to make transportation more accessible,” Spare’s CEO, Kristoffer Vik Hansen, said. “Our partnership with Uber has made it possible for more people to access public transportation services. We’re thrilled to see the positive impact our combined efforts have had at PSTA and DART.”

The incorporation of Uber into Spare’s platform, facilitated by Spare Open Fleets™ technology, provides transit agencies with real-time monitoring capabilities and a single view of their entire fleet. The industry-leading partnership will provide transit agencies with the flexibility to effectively and efficiently handle both peak and traditionally challenging off-peak hours, marking a significant advancement in transit services.

“Together, Uber and Spare are driving change and helping to shape a more accessible future for all riders,” General Manager of Uber Transit, Jen Shepherd, said. “Our collaboration with Spare has already achieved substantial results. PSTA has further strengthened its command of paratransit operations, while DART has significantly expanded its microtransit capacity.”

At PSTA, the partnership has enabled the launch of the PSTA Mobility on Demand (MOD) service within the Spare platform. With PSTA MOD, ADA-eligible riders can now book on-demand rides whenever and wherever they need them.

“We are changing people’s lives by providing them with greater mobility and independence. This collaboration has introduced a new dynamism to our transit services,” says Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “Leveraging Uber’s network and Spare’s groundbreaking platform has enabled us to provide more convenient and flexible transportation options for our riders.”

At DART, the partnership has provided them with the capacity to significantly expand the operational hours of its award-winning on-demand microtransit service, GoLink. Now, GoLink is available from 5 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, in over 30 zones, delivering over 2,000 rides per day.

“Our partnership with Uber and Spare has proven to be a game-changer for the agency’s continued efforts to increase microtransit service across North Texas,” said Nadine Lee, President & CEO of DART. “We’ve witnessed firsthand the increased capacity and effectiveness of our GoLink service. The synergy between these two great companies offers a promising glimpse into future opportunities for public transportation agencies.”

By integrating Uber into their services through Spare, transit agencies can significantly reduce operational costs. This strategic move eliminates the need for hefty investments in additional fleets to increase capacity, thereby delivering more cost-effective transportation solutions. The Spare-Uber partnership effectively optimizes resource utilization while ensuring transit agencies can meet the rising demand for services.

###

About Spare

At Spare, our mission is to make every ride possible. We empower transit agencies to launch microtransit and modernize ADA paratransit services, optimizing operations and enhancing rider experiences. Spare Open Fleets™ integrates any bookable fleet into on-demand transit services for flexible capacity without capital-intensive vehicle investments. With hundreds of services powered worldwide, we are shaping the future of mobility-one ride at a time.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 39 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Source: Spare

[ad_2]

Source link

June 1, 2023
Clarification on StrataGen Systems, Inc. Relationship With NYCTA’s Access-A-Ride Program

[ad_1]

REDMOND, Wash., February 24, 2023 (Newswire.com)
–
StrataGen Systems, Inc. (“StrataGen”) provides clarification on its relationship with New York City Transit Authority (“NYCTA”) and provides comments on a recently published article.

StrataGen’s longtime relationship with NYCTA goes back to 2001, when NYCTA’s current Real Time Scheduling & Computer Automated Dispatch (“RTS-CAD”) system was installed. Over the past 20+ years, NYCTA has invested tens of millions of dollars in the evolution of the product and RTS-CAD has been fully customized to include apps, interfaces, custom modules, features and functions that are designed to meet the exact needs of NYCTA. That system boasts the world’s best and patented routing and scheduling algorithm and is currently in use by NYCTA to facilitate its para-transit operations and is maintained and supported by StrataGen. Irrespective of all recent events, StratagGen is fully committed to provide ongoing system maintenance and support to ensure NYCTA’s para-transit remains fully operational during this process.

While NYCTA has made a decision to terminate the contract, which is comprised of Automatic Vehicle Location Management (“AVLM”) and RTS-CAD systems, StrataGen strongly believes that this is a case of “termination for convenience” and intends to vigorously dispute any suggestions made by NYCT otherwise.

StrataGen’s AVLM has been in production since 2020 and was in use by NYTCA until January 21, 2023; NYCTA had beneficial use of the system during that time. The article refers to improved on-time performance during the month of January 2023; it is important to note that StrataGen AVLM system was fully operational and utilized by NYCTA during that time. NYTCA has demonstrated, with the help of StrataGen’s AVLM system, increased on-time performance, improved rider experience, and drivers providing improved assistance in helping their ADA passengers meet their daily transportation needs. StrataGen is alarmed to learn that NYCTA is installing iPads in the para-transit vehicles with the intention of connecting them to the original RTS-CAD system. If any confidential or proprietary information pertaining to the RTS-CAD system is disclosed to the third-party vendors or they have been granted permission to access StrataGen’s system, database, schemas, and proprietary tools and utilities, then there is a possibility that they might be in breach of StrataGen’s non-disclosure, confidentiality, and/or software license agreements. StrataGen will fully investigate this matter and take appropriate action.

It is also important to note that the delays pertaining to the new RTS-CAD project were caused by both NYCTA and StrataGen. In early 2022, the parties mutually agreed to continue with the project under a new schedule and StrataGen delivered the first set of requirements in the summer of 2022, passing the agreed upon Acceptance Test Procedures and Criteria.

About StrataGen Systems, Inc.

Using patented technology and expertise from all levels of the industry, combined with experience gained from installations worldwide, StrataGen is an international leader in the transit industry. StrataGen provides enterprise-wide and service based solutions to transit agencies of all sizes, focusing on Demand Response, ADA (Americans with Disability Act) compliant and Special Needs providers.

Striving to achieve delivery of the best results possible, StrataGen prides itself on responsiveness, commitment, and best in class customer service.

StrataGen Systems, Inc.
8271 154th Avenue NE, Suite 200
Redmond, WA, 98052

Source: StrataGen Systems, Inc.

[ad_2]

Source link

February 24, 2023
MTM Transit Expands Partnership With the Salem Area Mass Transit District
[ad_1]

Press Release
–

Oct 6, 2022
LAKE SAINT LOUIS, Mo., October 6, 2022 (Newswire.com)
–
MTM Transit is pleased to announce that it is expanding its presence in the Salem, Oregon, area under a new contract with the Salem Area Mass Transit District (SAMTD). SAMTD runs a comprehensive public transit system called Cherriots that serves the Salem-Keizer community. Since 2015, MTM Transit has functioned as SAMTD’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) eligibility assessments contractor, and has also served as the District’s call center contractor since 2016. Now, following a competitive bidding process, MTM Transit is expanding with SAMTD even further through a new contract inclusive of call center and transportation services.

Effective Jan. 1, 2023, MTM Transit will begin operating three transportation services for the District:
- Cherriots LIFT, an ADA paratransit service that provides a demand-responsive transportation option for people with disabilities who are unable to access the fixed route for all or some of their trips
- Cherriots Regional Service, a system that serves 17 communities in rural Marion and Polk counties through five express routes and one flex route
- Cherriots Shop and Ride, a shuttle that helps older adults and people with disabilities access grocery stores and shopping centers in the Salem-Keizer area
MTM Transit will operate a unified mobility management program for the District—an approach that will allow the company to further align its shared values, culture, and strengths with the Salem community.

“Since beginning our relationship with SAMTD more than seven years ago, MTM Transit has been committed to providing a world-class customer experience—and we are excited to continue meeting that goal and exceeding expectations under this newly expanded program,” said MTM Transit’s Regional Vice President Scott Transue.

MTM Transit’s Chief Operating Officer Brian Balogh added, “SAMTD is an incredibly valued partner to MTM Transit. With this one-stop-shop approach to mobility management, we look forward to providing a world-class experience for customers at every touch point: from when they complete the ADA eligibility process, to when they call to schedule a trip, to when they board a Cherriots vehicle.”

The new contract has a base term of five years plus two one-year options. MTM Transit anticipates providing approximately 148,800 Cherriots LIFT trips annually, as well as an additional 70,000 trips through the Regional Service and Shop and Ride shuttle. MTM Transit’s team of 70-plus Cherriots-dedicated employees will guide the District as the organizations work together to enhance transportation services for residents in the Salem-Keizer Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). Planned enhancements to the system under MTM Transit include supporting a software transition and upgrade, solving for facility/park-out spaces and security, and evolving to add new services in the future, such as microtransit.

MTM is the nation’s most trusted and qualified partner for healthcare, transportation, and logistics solutions. In 2009, MTM’s leadership established MTM Transit, an affiliate that provides direct paratransit and fixed-route transit services. MTM and MTM Transit are privately held, woman-owned business enterprises.

Source: MTM, Inc.
[ad_2]

Source link
October 6, 2022