City of Norman to Continue App-Based On-Demand Public Transit Program for Second Year

The City of Norman is proud to announce a second year of the Norman On-Demand service, an app-based public transit pilot program designed to fill transportation access gaps in Norman. The program has served over 30,000 rides since launching last August.  

 

Norman On-Demand is continuing to provide access to safe, affordable public transportation through technology, particularly during evening hours and on Sundays when other public transit options are limited. The Norman On-Demand app will continue to power the University of Oklahoma’s SafeRide program, a program designed to provide safe and free late-night transportation to OU students.

 

New riders will continue to get their first six trips for free. Free ride promotions are also available to those who refer friends. See details at https://city.ridewithvia.com/norman.

 

How it works:

Norman On-Demand will continue to be powered by the same TransitTech provider Via, which powers hundreds of similar programs around the world. Riders can book a trip instantly through an app or by calling a phone number, and Via’s algorithm matches riders headed in the same direction into shared vehicles. Riders will typically be directed to a nearby “virtual pickup and drop-off stop.” The result is an efficient transit option that combines the affordability and sustainability of the bus with the convenience of a taxi.

 

How to ride with Norman On-Demand:

  • Download the “Norman On-Demand” app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the sign-up steps.‍ Enter pickup and drop-off addresses in the app.
  • Wheelchair- accessible vehicles are available upon request.
  • Riders will receive an ETA from their driver and can follow along in real time in the app to see when and where to meet their driver.
  • Phone booking: Regular rides can be requested by calling 405-643-8638.

 

Service details:

  • Hours:
    • Monday - Wednesday: 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
    • Thursday - Saturday: 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.*
    • Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Fares:
    • Norman On-Demand regular fares are $2 per ride, plus $1 for each additional rider.
    • During OU Student SafeRide hours (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 p.m.- 3 a.m.*), students ride for free.
      • To be eligible for the free student SafeRides, students must create their account using their official OU email address.
      • Student rides outside OU SafeRide hours pay the Norman On-Demand regular fares listed above.

*Outside of the OU fall and spring semesters, Thursday-Saturday service ends at 1 a.m.)

 

History of Norman On-Demand

At the direction of Norman City Council, Norman city staff began exploring options for microtransit to expand the city’s access to flexible and efficient public transportation in 2021. After thorough research and public meeting discussions during fiscal year 2022, funding for a microtransit pilot program was approved in the fiscal year 2023 budget. Following consultation work and requests for proposals, the City of Norman engaged with TransitTech provider Via by contract in June 2023 and finalized a partnership agreement with the University of Oklahoma in August 2023. The first year of the program was approved to be operated from August 2023 to August 2024. In June 2024, the City of Norman, University of Oklahoma and Via approved agreements for a second year of operations. Ridership from launch, August 21, 2023, through June 30, 2024 was approximately 25,000. Learn more at normanok.gov.

 

More information about Norman On-Demand can be found at https://city.ridewithvia.com/norman.

 

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ABOUT VIA

Founded in 2012, Via pioneered the transportation technology category (TransitTech) by using new technologies to develop public mobility systems, optimizing networks of buses, shuttles, vehicles for the disabled, school buses, autonomous vehicles, and electric vehicles around the world. By building the world's most efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation network for all passengers-including those with limited mobility, those without smartphones, and people without bank accounts-Via works with its partners to lower public transportation costs and provide transportation options that can rival the convenience of a personal car while reducing environmental impact. At the intersection of transportation and technology, Via is a visionary market leader that combines software innovation with sophisticated service design and operational expertise to radically improve the way the world moves, delivering technology in 700 cities and more than 35 countries.

 

ABOUT THE OU DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS

Student Affairs strives to enhance students' academic success by developing student skills, cultivating diverse campus life experiences, and enriching the university community through programs and services. For more information visit ou.edu/studentaffairs.