Springfield partners with Via Transportation to launch new microtransit system

In the heart of Springfield, Ohio, city officials gathered under the bright lights of the city hall to discuss a transformative shift in public transportation. The City Commission Meeting on April 22, 2025, marked a pivotal moment as the city unveiled plans for a new microtransit system, aimed at enhancing mobility and accessibility for residents.

Jason Vai, a city staff member, introduced representatives from Via Transportation Inc., the company selected to spearhead this initiative. The meeting highlighted the extensive research conducted by the Clark County Springfield Transportation Coordinating Committee (TCC), which revealed that the traditional fixed-route transit model was failing to meet the needs of the community. Long wait times and limited access to essential services like jobs and healthcare were pressing concerns that prompted the shift towards a more flexible microtransit model.

Microtransit, as explained by Via's Chief Operating Officer Alec Lavoie, is an on-demand service designed to provide greater coverage and responsiveness. This innovative approach will allow riders to book trips via a smartphone app, web application, or even by phone, ensuring that transportation is accessible to all, including those with limited mobility. The service will feature shared rides, significantly reducing wait times to an estimated 15 to 20 minutes, a stark improvement over the current system.

The proposed microtransit zone will expand coverage throughout Springfield, allowing residents to access essential services more efficiently. Lavoie emphasized that the new system is tailored specifically for Springfield, with ongoing community engagement to ensure it meets the unique needs of its users. The transition will include a week of overlap with the existing service to help riders acclimate to the changes.

As the meeting progressed, the representatives from Via outlined their commitment to hiring local drivers and providing rigorous training to ensure safety and compliance with accessibility standards. The fare structure will also be simplified, with a flat rate for end-to-end journeys, promoting affordability and ease of use.

The excitement in the room was palpable as city officials and community members recognized the potential of this new microtransit system to reshape public transportation in Springfield. With a launch planned for June 2025, the city is poised to take a significant step towards a more inclusive and efficient transit future, addressing the needs of its residents and fostering economic growth. As the meeting concluded, the sense of anticipation lingered, leaving many eager to see how this initiative would unfold in the coming months.