City Council approves mobility on demand service for Round Rock

Round Rock is planning to roll out a new on-demand service as part of its overall public transit system in the coming months following the approval of a contract with a ridesharing company.

Round Rock City Council approved a contract with zTrip on Thursday, March 23, to provide the service starting in mid- to late June, which will be offered in addition to the City’s fixed route service operated by Capital Metro. Customers can request and pay for rides through an app, the City’s website or by calling a customer service line. The app will allow riders to meet drivers at a nearby “virtual bus stop” or designated pickup location and be dropped off within a few blocks of their final destination. Similar to apps by transportation network companies like Uber, riders can check the app for real-time updates on their driver’s progress.

The service will be available to anyone traveling within the designated mobility on demand zone, as long as they create an account prior to booking their first trip. The number of riders to share the ride will depend on capacity and the destination.

Vehicles will be fully accessible and can accommodate wheelchairs. ADA-accessible curb-to-curb vehicles and service will continue to be provided to those who qualify.

The mobility on demand service will operate 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Wait times will vary depending on nearby driver availability but expected to generally average 12 to 15 minutes. Once their ride has arrived, riders must arrive at the pickup location and board the van within two minutes.

Fares will range from $3-5 depending on the distance of the trip, and $2 reduced fares are available for senior citizens ages 65 years and older, individuals with disabilities and veterans.

The City recently completed a Transit Development Plan which will be used to guide transit planning for the next five to 10 years. The plan recommended adjustments and reductions to existing fixed routes and introduction of the new mobility on demand service to provide more effective public transit services in the City. The adjustments to the City’s fixed routes, which are provided through a separate agreement with Capital Metro, came into effect on Jan. 9, 2023, which also adjusted the geographic area where the City is required to provide paratransit services by federal law.

The approved contract is for five years of service for a total cost of $6,258,565.60, which will be paid for through the City’s General Fund and federal funding at a 1:1 match.

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Source: City of Round Rock