By Matt Dotray A-J Media
Citibus is launching a new app-based microtransit service Wednesday, according to a news release from the city.
The new service will feature personalized shuttle services as a means of public transportation that works similar to ride sharing services like Uber or Lyft, except trips are commingled.
The service will run from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is open to the public. Same day bookings for the service can be made through the app or by calling (806) 712-2000 ext. 236.
Citibus’ new on-demand mobile app is available for download in the App Store and Google Play, according to the city.
City Manager Jarrett Atkinson previously told the Lubbock City Council the new service is being funded by a $9.6 million grant from the federal government. Citibus has scaled back routes and pickup hours amid the COVID-19 pandemic, so the service is aimed towards filling the gaps of hourly fixed route services.
Chris Mandrell, general manager at Citibus, also said it’s a pilot program. He said the service will provide more information about where Lubbock needs more routes and allows a chance to re-look at the services it provides and adapt to changes in demand.
Mandrell said it’s a public transportation service, so the attempt is for every ride to be a shared ride.
"This project is intended to supplement our fixed route system,“ Mandrell told the Lubbock City Council last week. ”It’s a demand-response type of system. It’s all going to be done by using a phone app or calling in to schedule that ride.“
Lubbock will be broken up into four microtransit zones, Mandrell said. Citibus vehicles used for microtransit services will be smaller vehicles (not the large buses), and it would be more of a demand-based system. The city has been exploring this microtransit service in the past. Citibus is currently having an extensive analysis completed over its entire operations. The $9.6 million grant was appropriated by Congress last month as part of the CARES Act, according to the city. It comes as Citibus ridership is down 50%, according to Atkinson. Citibus’ most used routes, the routes on Texas Tech’s campus, are currently closed.