St. Lucie County has announced the launch of Area Regional Transit On-Demand, known as ART On-Demand. It is a public transportation service, which for the first time will allow all residents and visitors to book free on-demand rides through an app within a designated zone in Port St. Lucie.
The goal of ART On-Demand is to expand access to efficient, equitable and sustainable transportation in St. Lucie. The service’s software integration will make it easier than ever for riders to travel car-free and it will support the region’s long-term commitment to innovation.
ART On-Demand will be powered by Via, the global leader in TransitTech. Via’s intelligent algorithms allow riders to book an on-demand ride – allowing for quick, efficient shared trips that provide more flexibility than traditional transportation options with fixed routes and schedules. To underscore St. Lucie’s commitment to accessibility, the service will include wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Riders can book ART On-Demand rides in three easy ways:
● Download the ART On-Demand app from the Apple or Google Play app store, set up your account and book your trip.
● Book online using a web browser from artondemand.app.ridewithvia.com
● Call 772-462-1778 and a customer service representative will help you create an account and book your ride.
“It’s exciting to watch our transit system continue to evolve by offering our residents convenient ways to access free public transportation,” said St. Lucie County Commission Chair Sean Mitchell. “The more we embrace public transportation, the more we reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and help keep our carbon footprint smaller.”
“For several years, our citizens have told us that providing more mobility options should be a top priority in the city. As a result, the City Council made this an important part of the City’s Strategic Plan,” said Port St. Lucie Mayor Shannon Martin. “I am very pleased St. Lucie County’s Area Regional Transit is helping us achieve these priorities through the launch of this On-Demand program. This program will give all residents an innovative new option for moving around the city and county.”
“We’re excited to partner with St. Lucie to power ART On-Demand, which uses software to expand access to transportation in the area,” said Dillon Twombly, Chief Revenue Officer at Via. “Tech-enabled public transit services like this one represent 21st-century transportation, and we’re excited to see how ART On-Demand will make it easier for St. Lucie’s residents and visitors to connect with jobs, healthcare, education, leisure and more.”
ART On-Demand will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Via's software is used in more than 500+ communities around the globe and includes several similar services to ART On-Demand elsewhere in Florida, including Sarasota, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
For more information on ART On-Demand, please visit: www.slcart.org.