RideCo, Uber Team on Transit Service Tech

RideCo, a San Francisco-maker of on-demand transportation software applications, has established a new partnership with ride-share provider Uber Technologies that it said will provide transit agencies with “overflow options” to help manage transportation deployments.

The “technology integration” resulting from the partnership will enable “agencies to scale and implement alternative transportation options while minimizing organizational demands and disruption to their existing network,” the company said.

Transportation agencies, RideCo explained, usually use their own vehicle fleets or third-party fleet providers to create a combination of both fixed-route and on-demand services.

“The new RideCo-Uber integration provides agencies even more flexibility in how they choose to offer transit services,” the company said. “They can leverage the efficiencies that RideCo’s software provides for all fleet alternatives, while flexing service options with Uber to provide overflow services for after-hours ride requests, low-density areas, rider’s choice, and even support peak demand.”

“This paves the way for more comprehensive offerings and makes public transit more equitable for all,” RideCo said.

The integration between the two platforms can be configured to agency-specific business regulations, ensuring overflow is optimized for the appropriate use cases, while leveraging dedicated fleets where they are best utilized, the company said.

Integrating Uber within the RideCo platforms “simplifies the booking, payment, and ride tracking process for both riders and the transit agency as they no longer navigate multiple applications,” the company said. “Eligibility management is built directly into RideCo’s platform as well, where agency staff can easily manage who has access to overflow options with bespoke conditions.”

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership and integration with Uber as it enables even more expansion options for customers and it demonstrates the positive impact of public-private partnerships,” said Prem Gururajan, RideCo’s chief executive officer.

“This means transit agencies can easily scale up and down based on demand and provide even greater convenience and equity for riders, while proactively managing cost structures.”

Jen Shepherd, General Manager of Uber Transit, commented, “Together, Uber and RideCo are helping agencies achieve greater operational efficiency and higher productivity, while enhancing rider equity.”

“This partnership is a real win for transit agencies and the paratransit community, as we continue to extend the benefits of our technology to provide people of all abilities increased access to transportation,” Shepherd said.