New on-demand ride service in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, commences on Tuesday
Eau Claire Introduces Cost-Effective Microtransit Service: 'Northern Lite'
Starting Tuesday, the city of Eau Claire will introduce a new public microtransit service called 'Northern Lite'. This innovative service, operated by Via Transportation in partnership with Eau Claire Transit, aims to provide a cost-effective, publicly integrated transportation option for residents.
How Does Northern Lite Differ from Uber and Lyft?
Unlike Uber and Lyft, Northern Lite serves a more limited geographic area, focused on the north side of Eau Claire, operating within a defined microtransit zone. The service charges a flat fare of $1.75 per ride, the same as a regular bus ticket, and accepts bus passes. A day pass for $3.75 allows unlimited rides on both the bus and microtransit service, making it significantly more affordable than typical Uber or Lyft fares.
Integration with Public Bus System
Northern Lite is part of Eau Claire’s public transit system, allowing riders to use their existing bus passes and encouraging transfers. Although free transfers between microtransit and buses are not yet available, they are being considered. The microtransit service complements bus routes by providing last-mile connections within its service area and to destinations like Costco and downtown.
Booking and Availability
Riders can book the Northern Lite service via the Northern Lite by EC Transit app or by calling 1-715-202-6757. The service will be available from 6:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. The city will decide whether to extend the program based on its usage.
Accessibility and Shared Rides
Riders with mobility issues can request door-to-door service and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Northern Lite matches riders headed in the same direction to facilitate quick and easy shared trips.
Encouraging Public Transit Usage
Eau Claire Transit Manager Katrina Running hopes that the Northern Lite service will introduce people who've never utilized the public transit system in Eau Claire to try it out. If individuals need to go outside the microtransit service area, they can use the bus routes and be picked back up within the service area by microtransit.
Affordable Options for Residents
Those looking to save more money might consider purchasing a day pass for $3.75, which offers unlimited rides on both the bus and microtransit. The name "Northern Lite" was chosen about a month ago, with the name symbolizing the location of the pilot program and the smaller vehicles compared to fixed routes.
[1] Source: Eau Claire Leader-Telegram [4] Source: Eau Claire Transit website
- Households in Eau Claire can now incorporate 'microtransit' into their 'lifestyle', as the affordable and efficient 'Northern Lite' service, a new public transit option, will be launching next week.
- In an effort to make 'transportation' more accessible and cost-effective, the 'finance' aspect is an integral part of 'Northern Lite', featuring a flat fare of $1.75 per ride, the same as a regular bus ticket, and a day pass for $3.75 offering unlimited rides on both the bus and microtransit service.
- With the introduction of 'Northern Lite', homeowners in Eau Claire may find it convenient to travel to destinations like Costco and downtown, as the service complements 'bus' routes by providing last-mile connections within its service area.
