SacRT is offering an online workshop on the transition from SacRT SmartRide to SacRT Flex, on Thursday, December 12, 3:30 PM. The Zoom link is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82940368613.

The email announcement from SacRT is below:

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (SacRT) is preparing for the upcoming transition of SacRT’s SmaRT Ride service to SacRT Flex, an innovative and cost-effective shared-use mobility pilot program launching Thursday, January 2, 2025. 

At the workshop, learn more about how to apply for the new service, eligibility requirements and about the new app.  

Key Dates: 

• Last day of SmaRT Ride: Tuesday, December 31, 2024  
• SacRT Flex service begins: Thursday, January 2, 2025  

What to Expect with SacRT Flex: 

• Corner-to-corner, shared-ride service available via app or phone 
• Service in the same nine SmaRT Ride zones with the same operating hours (Mon–Fri, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.) 
• Real-time updates on vehicle location and arrival time 
• 100% wheelchair-accessible vehicles 

New Features: 

• Standard passenger vans with three seats, one wheelchair space, and a rear-entry lift 
• Eligibility limited to low-income individuals, seniors, persons with disabilities. Kids aged 13 to 17 may also register and ride independently if they have a low-income parent or guardian. 
• $2.50 flat fare per trip (no passes accepted); companions pay $2.50. Kids under 18 ride free when they ride with a parent or guardian. 
• Reservations will now be up to two days in advance, but same-day reservations will no longer be allowed (at least initially)
• Customers must apply and register in advance to use SacRT Flex and must provide proof of eligibility.

Learn more and register at sacrt.com/Flex or call 916-321-BUSS (2877) for assistance. 

Same-day reservations?

The email says “Reservations will now be up to two days in advance, but same-day reservations will no longer be allowed (at least initially)“. However, the Flex webpage says “Advance booking (e.g., day before) will now be allowed”, implying that same-day will be allowed. Which is correct? We don’t know but will report when we do.

We know of no logical reason why same-day reservations would not be accepted, if there is unreserved capacity. Of course it is possible that advance reservations will fill the available capacity, but won’t always. Disabled riders in particular may need same-day rides to medical services for emergency reasons. Why block them out from using the system, forcing them to use SacRT Go paratransit service even though they may not need that level of service.

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