SacRT’s SmaRT Ride is an on-demand microtransit service offered in parts of the SacRT system service area. “Shuttle Service that Comes to You” is the tagline. In Citrus Heights, it is a curb-to-curb service, in the other areas, it is corner to corner. Though the service in intended to bring riders into the fixed route bus and light rail system, that is not a requirement of the service. Many people use it as a point-to-point service independent of the rest of the system. We don’t know what the percentages are of point-to-transit and point-to-point rides are, as SacRT has not released any data on that.

Microtransit can be an effective way for a transit agency to serve low-density areas, bringing riders to fixed route transit, and thereby increasing overall ridership. Initially, it was a service that operated in low-density and transit-poor areas, but it has now expanded to include higher-density and transit-rich areas, such as ‘Downtown-Midtown-East Sacramento’. It can also detract from transit when riders are using it as a point-to-point convenience. For point-to-point trips, it becomes just another ride hailing service, except one that is subsidized by taxpayers rather than venture capitalists.

The areas served have been expanded over time. First there was one, Citrus Heights, then there were three, and now there are nine. All without public engagement.

“The new SmaRT Ride service is provided through Measure A funding. SacRT was awarded a $12 million grant by the Sacramento Transportation Authority to help expand microtransit into new communities throughout the region.” – https://www.sacrt.com/apps/smart-ride-faqs/

STAR’s concern is not so much with the program as it is now, it is. after all, seen as a pilot program, but with what happens when the special funding runs out. It is set to run out sometime in 2023, though we haven’t been able to pin down the date. When the funding is gone, SacRT will be faced with the decision to either terminate the program or to find other funding for it. That most likely means money from the regular operations budget. SacRT is providing a useful service, and is setting up an expectation with the public that this service will continue indefinitely. If the decision is made to continue or even expand after the special funding runs out, it is almost certain that this program will complete with fixed route service for budget, resulting in cutbacks of fixed route frequency or coverage.

STAR would like to see an analysis of the program that addresses two issues (at least):

• what portion of SmaRT Ride ridership is point-to-point or point-to-transit, including any trends that have taken place from program initiation to now
• a statement of what funding sources could be used to maintain or expand the service, if that is the decision made
• an analysis of the program impact, positive and negative, of expanding the number and coverage of the service areas

This information should be brought to the SacRT board well before the special funding runs out, so that the board can consider how to respond when the time comes.

• SacRT
• SacRT SmaRT Ride