Press Release: Spare Partners with Winnipeg Transit Plus to Make Specialized Transit Services More Convenient and Reliable for Riders
Explore how Spare is enhancing Winnipeg Transit Plus with innovative technology, improving transit experiences for riders unable to use the city's fixed-route system due to physical disabilities.
Winnipeg, MB, May 22, 2024 —Spare is set to enhance Winnipeg’s public transportation system by launching a new booking and management system for Winnipeg Transit Plus.
This initiative marks a focused effort to incorporate advanced technology into Transit Plus’ operations. This will improve service accessibility, efficiency, and reliability for users. The Winnipeg Transit Plus service currently accommodates over 28,000 requested trips a month, serves over 5,100 active registered customers, and operates with a dedicated fleet of approximately 70 vehicles, including sedans, vans, and buses.
Key aspects of the new system include:
- The Winnipeg Transit+ On-Request app: This smartphone and web app will facilitate easy booking, tracking, and management of rides while improving the entire passenger experience.
- An automated phone service with IVR technology: This will provide a phone-based booking option for users without access to the mobile application, ensuring wide accessibility.
- Expanded payment options: New payment methods will accommodate different user preferences and needs.
The expanded payment options and automated phone service will launch on Tuesday, June 18, and the app launch on Tuesday, July 9.
"We're excited to offer these new accessible options when using our service. They will significantly reduce barriers and improve the entire user experience."
The partnership's ambitions extend far beyond enhancing booking and payment options. By modernizing system operations, Spare’s technology will enable Transit Plus to streamline its scheduling and dispatching processes.
This leap in operational efficiency is anticipated to significantly improve on-time performance, leading to shorter wait times and a more responsive service overall.
“Our partnership with Winnipeg Transit moves us closer to our shared goal of ensuring riders can reach their destinations conveniently and efficiently,” said Spare CEO Kristoffer Vik Hansen. “Modernizing the Transit Plus trip-booking system will improve the overall rider experience, making every journey smoother and more reliable."
This partnership will extend to the Winnipeg Transit On-Request service later in 2024.