Big Rapids Dial-A-Ride expands service with TRC through 5-Year on-demand transit partnership, extending TRC’s third deployment in Michigan
Five year expansion follows successful six month pilot service launched in May 2024
October 9, 2024 – New York, New York, USA: The Routing Company (“TRC”), a global on-demand vehicle routing and management platform partnering with cities to power the future of public transit, today announced the significant expansion of its partnership with Michigan’s City of Big Rapids to continue on-demand transit and shuttle service for up to five years.
With just under 8,000 residents, the City of Big Rapids is situated in Mecosta County, which spans 555 square miles of mostly rural landscape in Michigan. It’s also home to Ferris State University, a 935-acre campus with over 10,000 students and staff onsite.
The expansion permanently continues two services TRC launched with Big Rapids in May 2024 through a pilot program. The first service, operating under the name Big Rapids Dial-a-Ride, offers on-demand transit to riders across the city from Monday to Saturday. All vehicles operating this service are equipped with wheelchair lifts. The second service in partnership with the City of Big Rapids provides a flexible campus shuttle, available throughout the academic year to students of Ferris State University.
“The success of the Big Rapids pilot program is a strong testament to the scalability and effectiveness of the Big Rapids team and TRC's Pingo platform," said James Cox, Chief Executive Officer, TRC. "This five-year partnership allows Big Rapids to build upon the initial success of its on-demand transit and campus shuttle service, expanding its reach to provide convenient, flexible, and efficient transportation for a wider range of residents and students.”
Key Highlights of the Expanded Agreement
- Multi-Year Commitment: The partnership extends for an initial period of one year with four one-year renewal options, demonstrating TRC's commitment to long-term collaboration.
- Large Service Area: Both services continue to reach a wide range of residents, eliminating transit deserts and improving accessibility.
- Enhanced Service Options: Residents can expect more flexible booking options and additional features through the Ride Pingo™ app.
- Scalability and Growth: The agreement positions Big Rapids for future growth and expansion of its public transit services.
A Strategic Investment in Community Well-being
"We are excited to strengthen our partnership with TRC and invest in a sustainable public transportation solution for Big Rapids," said Dawn Fuller, Transit Manager, City of Big Rapids. "This long-term agreement aligns with our commitment to providing accessible and efficient transportation options for our residents, fostering a more connected and vibrant community."
TRC's Proven Track Record
TRC has a proven track record of delivering innovative transportation solutions that drive positive outcomes for cities and communities. Its expertise in on-demand transportation design and deployment, paired with its unmatched algorithm and white-glove customer support, make it an ideal partner for Big Rapids.
Industry-Leading Customer Satisfaction
The success of Big Rapids' Dial-A-Ride service is a testament to TRC's ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences. With high satisfaction ratings and a growing ridership, the partnership is poised for continued success. TRC's commitment to customer satisfaction is backed by its recent industry-leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 92, a testament to the company's ability to deliver both innovative technology and exceptional support.
TRC supports the City of Big Rapids’ transit needs with its full suite of Pingo products, including Pingo Shuttle™ and Pingo Campus™. The Pingo platform, which includes the Drive Pingo™ and Ride Pingo™ apps and the Pingo Dashboard™ operations tool, has powered over 1.5 million trips to date, helping agencies deliver efficient, flexible, and scalable transit services.
To learn more about how TRC is transforming public transit, visit theroutingcompany.com or request a demo by emailing move@theroutingcompany.com.
About TRC
Founded by MIT researchers and rideshare industry veterans, TRC is a global on-demand vehicle routing and management platform that partners with cities to power the future of public transit. Leveraging proprietary and unrivalled artificial intelligence, TRC delivers routing from multiple points of demand to one vehicle while enabling greater transit equity, accessibility, cost efficiency, and sustainability. Its leading product, the Pingo™ app, offers on-demand or advance trip requests and can operate in on-demand, flex, fixed, or paratransit mode.
With a team spanning eight countries, TRC directly supports international operations and customer growth through hubs in Canada, Hungary, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Learn more at theroutingcompany.com.
Media Inquiries
Lindy Norris
Vice President, Marketing & Policy
Investor Inquiries
James Cox
Chief Executive Officer
