Los Angeles to Test New 'Mobility on Demand' Partnership

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has partnered with ridesharing service Via on a one-year pilot program to close the first-last mile gap at select transit stations.

"Starting next summer, Metro riders will be able to book a Via to or from three major Metro stations," writes Mallory Locklear. "The fares will be subsidized by Metro and riders will be able to pay with their TAP account -- LA's public transport fare card. The project and its reduced fare rates are funded by a $1.35 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration."

The FTA is funding the pilot program with a MOD Sandbox grant. The MOD stands for mobility on demand in a program that has yet to attract a lot of attention. According to a separate post by ITS International, the Eno Center for Transportation, UCLA, and the University of Washington will be studying the Metro, Via partnership for lessons that can assist future partnerships.

Emma Huang also provides information on the new pilot project on Metro's The Source website.