Introducing SacRT Flex: New Shared-Use Mobility Service

December 15, 2024 General, SacRT in Community

SacRT Flex, a new program operated by Via, will officially start service on Thursday, January 2, 2025. During the current soft launch phase, eligible riders are invited to test the new service and familiarize themselves with its features. 

SacRT Flex is a limited subsidized neighborhood shuttle service for a limited group of qualified riders, including seniors (age 62+), low-income individuals, and persons with disabilities.  

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Key Dates 

  • Soft Launch: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 
  • Last Day of SmaRT Ride: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 
  • Official Launch of SacRT Flex: Thursday, January 2, 2025 

SmaRT Ride service will continue to operate through Tuesday, December 31, 2024, ensuring a smooth transition for riders. Since the service is only available to eligible riders, SacRT Flex is not a replacement service for Smart Ride. However, our goal is to enable access for riders with the greatest transportation needs based on the limited funding available. 

Features and Benefits 

  • Curb-to-curb, shared-ride service, with real-time status updates.  
  • Operates in the same nine zones as SmaRT Ride. 
  • Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Excluding most holidays). 
  • Rides must be booked in advance (up to two days) in the app or by phone. 
  • Limited to seniors, persons with disabilities, low-income individuals, and minors aged 13–17 in low-income households. 
  • All vehicles have one wheelchair space.  
  • $2.50 per trip, no passes accepted; $2.50 for each adult companion; free for children riding with parents. 

SacRT Flex Zones 

SacRT Flex serves nine zones in the Sacramento area (the same nine zones as SmaRT Ride). Vehicles cannot travel outside the service boundaries. Click on each zone name for a map (all zones coming soon).

How to Ride SacRT Flex 

Step 1: Apply to ride at sacrt.com/applyflex. If you’re approved, you will get an email from SacRT. 

Step 2: Download the SacRT Flex App, which is available in Google Play and App Store.  

Step 3: To request a ride, enter a pick-up address and then enter your destination address. Note: SacRT Flex vehicles cannot travel outside the service zone. The pick-up and drop off location need to be inside the same service area.  

Requests can be made up to two days in advance and must be made by 7 p.m. the day before. Same-day requests are not allowed at this time; however, this option may be considered in the future. Requests are made on a first come, first scheduled basis and are approved based on vehicle availability and demand.  

SacRT Flex is a ride sharing service, actual pick-up and drop-off times may vary due to demand.  

Book by Phone
If you do not have a smartphone or don’t like using apps, you can still book a ride on SacRT Flex by phone by calling our reservation line at 916-915-0972. To request a ride, you still must apply and be approved as a SacRT Flex user.

Paying for Your SacRT Flex Ride
The fare is $2.50 for each adult passenger (or minor travelling independently). No discounts or passes are accepted. Pay in cash or with a credit or debit card, through the app. Cash is excepted; however, drivers cannot make change. ZipPass and Connect Card are not accepted at this time. 

Vehicle Design:

SacRT Flex vehicle wrap example. Black, with blue at the back and the SacRT Flex logo on the door.

2024 Toyota Sienna rear entry image for wheelchairs.

Questions?  

email icon Email: CustomerAdvocacy@sacrt.com 

Phone icon Phone: 916-321-BUSS (2877) 

Holidays
SacRT Flex does not operate on some holidays. Holiday schedules for all SacRT services can be found at sacrt.com/holidayservice. 

Why is SmaRT Ride Ending?
SacRT successfully navigated through the pandemic by being fiscally responsible with our federal COVID-19 relief funds and other revenue sources. And unlike many other agencies that had to use most of their federal COVID-19 relief funds for operations, depleting the funds early, we were able to extend the use of relief funding and focus on long-delayed capital needs such as state of good repair projects. More recently, SB125 provided another relief package for California transit agencies, including SacRT.   

As required by SB125 and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG), who is responsible for allocating the SB125 funding, SacRT has developed a long-term action plan for strong fiscal sustainability, including optimizing business processes, maximizing efficiencies, reviewing less efficient ridership services, and identifying opportunities for cost savings.   

While SacRT has taken great pride in being a trendsetter in the transit industry over the years, implementing innovative new transit services to boost mobility in the Sacramento region, we must also be good stewards of public funds. SmaRT Ride was implemented as a pilot program in 2018, with a one-time lump sum grant of $14 million from Measure A’s Neighborhood Shuttle program.   

Unfortunately, the annual funding from the grant program is only $800,000. When compared to SmaRT Ride’s annual operating costs of $8.4 million, it’s clear that the service is too expensive to continue to operate. In addition, SmaRT Ride’s operating cost per passenger is over $47, almost five times more than our fixed-route bus system, while carrying less than 1% of overall system ridership. The decision to transition the service follows a comprehensive assessment of SmaRT Ride’s service performance and financial impact.    

If you are not eligible to ride SacRT Flex, we encourage you to look into bus and light rail options at sacrt.com/services or call 916-321-BUSS (2877).  

Public Outreach 

SacRT held a virtual workshop on December 12, 2024. View the PowerPoint Presentation.

Virtual Workshop - December 12, 2024
Watch it here

SacRT held a virtual workshop on November 6, 2024. View the PowerPoint Presentation. 

Virtual Workshop - November 6, 2024
Watch it here

SacRT held a virtual workshop on October 10, 2024. View the PowerPoint presentation.

Virtual Workshop - October 10, 2024
Watch it here