Springfield Township is about to be a jumping off point for a new microtransit program.
On August 31, TARTA and township officials released plans to launch the on-demand transportation program during the first quarter of 2023.
The program entails revamping the current Call-ARide system to allow residents to request curb-to-curb transportation within specific service areas utilizing a new mobile phone app or calling TARTA.
Laura Koprowski, TARTA CEO, explained that the Ohio Department of Transportation recently awarded TARTA a $3.2 million grant, which includes $22 million for the microtransit program. The funds also will be used for facility renovations, bus washers, alternative fuel infrastructure and new vehicles.
“This is a big win for our area and those who have the chance to join the thousands of Lucas County and Rossford residents who already depend on public transportation,” she said, adding, “I’d like to thank ODOT and our state legislators. They recognize the positive impact that programs like this can have on the lives of their constituents.”
Ms. Koprowski noted that TARTA is looking forward reaching new communities like Springfield and Holland with the system which also helps the mobility challenged “by providing a way for those residents to be able to connect with their communities.”
“Today, we are finally making a real difference in modernizing and innovating TARTA,” she said.
Trustee Andy Glenn said the township is honored to be a part of this initiative. “The residents in Springfield Township alone will benefit by this new concept,” he pointed out.
He commended Ms. Koprowski and TARTA “for the vision and passion to move public transportation into the future. Congratulations for thinking outside the box.”
Mary Morrison, vice president of TARTA’s board of trustees, expressed appreciation to voters who last year supported a change in the funding mechanism for the transit authority from a property tax to a sales tax. “We want to show voters they made the right choice by pursuing and winning competitive grants,” she said, pointing out that TARTA has been awarded more than $20 million in grants over the past year.
The first half of the pilot program will bring the service to zone 1A which encompasses Holland, Springfield Township, Sylvania, Sylvania Township and Ottawa Hills, and 2A, which covers Maumee, Monclova Township, Waterville and Whitehouse.
Following the establishment of these areas, zones 1B, northwest Lucas County, and 2B, the southwestern portion of the county will be introduced.
Microtransit will utilize transport similar in size to the paratransit vehicles. Passengers will be able to request rides that would arrive in 30 to 60 minutes, similar to the current ride share service and those traveling outside of their specific area will be connected to a fixed-route stop.
“Because the project is still in the planning stages, specific pricing and other details are yet to be determined,” explained Andy Cole, communications and marketing manager.
He said the program is being constructed with help and input from an advisory group comprised of TARTA customers and community leaders.
“We are preparing for this,” he said, adding the agency has been adding drivers in anticipation of the need. “It’s going pretty well.”
