A new electric vehicle transport service intended to fight traffic congestion is being launched in West Palm Beach, Florida, with fares as low as a dollar.
In order to address traffic and provide "convenient alternatives" to driving one's own car, the city has launched West Palm Move, a "public transit network" composed of electric vehicles that offer rides along a fixed route, as well as on-demand trips, according to a press release by the city. Rides along the fixed route cost $1, while on-demand rides cost $2.
“By combining frequent Fixed-Route service with the flexibility of On-Demand rides, we are creating a more connected transportation network that gives people more choices while helping us better manage congestion as our city continues
to grow," said Jessica Keller, Parking and Mobility Administrator for the City of West Palm Beach in the release.
The fixed-route service launched Sept. 8, while the on-demand service will be available starting Sept. 15.
How much do the rides cost?
Fixed-route fares are $1, while on-demand rides cost $2. Transfers between fixed-route and on-demand rides are free, and riders will pay a flat rate of $2 to ride both fixed-route and on-demand, according to the release.
Fixed-route riders can pay aboard with their credit or debit cards, as well as smart phones. Residents seeking an on-demand ride can book one via the West Palm Move app, an online portal or by calling 561-264-0458, according to the press release. Cash is not accepted in either case.
The program is funded via a "combination of developer contributions, mobility fees, the Community Redevelopment Agency, and parking fees," according to a press release by the city.
Where do the vehicles run?
The fixed-route vehicles run along a "north-south" route between the Norton Museum of Art and Northwood Village, with "key destinations" including downtown, CityPlace, Palm Beach Atlantic University and Good Samaritan Medical Center, according to the initiative's website.
Fixed-route vehicles run every eight to 10 minutes, according to the city's press release. They operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. The city also offers a live bus tracker.
Residents can also call on-demand vehicles within various zones that are marked on the map that West Palm Move provides. On-demand service will be available beginning Sept. 15, and will run from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The on-demand trips have a distance cap of five miles, according to the initiative's website. For longer trips, "the app will offer the best option," which may include a combination of on-demand and bus. The cap will be removed, however, when only on-demand vehicles are operating.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Florida city launches $1 ride service to help with traffic
