This is a follow-on to the end of SmaRT Ride and STAR position on voucher program.

SacRT has scheduled three sessions to introduce the new concept to the public. The first is online, Thursday, October 10, 3:30 to 5:00 PM. An email from SacRT has some details:

“SacRT is transitioning its SmaRT Ride on-demand microtransit service to a new, innovative and cost-effective shared-use mobility pilot program in January 2025. The final day of SmaRT Ride service will be Tuesday, December 31, 2024. To provide more details and gather feedback, SacRT is hosting a virtual workshop on Thursday, October 10, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. We invite all riders and community members to participate and learn more about the transition. The proposed new program will continue serving the same nine SmaRT Ride zones with the same service hours Monday through Friday, provided in wheelchair accessible vehicles. The new service is expected to be restricted to a select group of eligible riders, with priority given to those who are transportation disadvantaged, including: 

• Persons with disabilities 
• Low-income individuals 
• Seniors 
• Students 

Details of the new program will be finalized prior to launch in January 2025. 

Virtual Workshop Details 

• Date: Thursday, October 10 
• Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (opening remarks start at 3:30 p.m. followed by a presentation, and Q&A session) 
• Zoom Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/s/82283568332 
• Phone: +1 699-444-9171; Webinar ID: 822 8356 8332; Passcode: 0416150664″

In response to criticism of the voucher system from the SacRT Board, the public, and STAR, SacRT is changing direction on the end of Smart Ride. Rather than the program ending, it will be significantly modified. The details of the new program are not available, but it will be operated by SacRT rather than handed over to Uber.

It appears there will also be two in-person workshops on Tuesday, October 22 and Wednesday, November 6. There may also be a special meeting of the SacRT Board on Monday, October 14 at 4:00 PM. The board calendar indicates this is not a regular meeting, but it would be a special meeting. It has not been posted on the SacRT Board Documents page at this time.

Previous posts on Smart Ride: the end of SmaRT Ride, STAR position on voucher program, SacRT SmartRide costs, concerns about SacRT SmaRT Ride, and SmartRide zones change.

• SacRT SmaRT Ride