Volusia County to begin new 'cost-effective' rideshare service 'VoRide' in December

Starting in December, Volusia County will introduce a “cost-effective, flexible, point-to-point travel” public transportation option in DeLand.

That is what the county’s Transit Services Division promises for the new rideshare service called “VoRide,” in partnership with Via Transportation, Inc.

The service will be available starting Dec. 5, according to the division.

"VoRide is not just an evolution in public transportation; it's a transit-progressive revolution in offering affordable, convenient options to our community," said Bobbie King, the division’s director, in a press release. "We are redefining what transportation means to our residents and are thrilled to invite them to experience this transformational service."

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But how will it work? Here is what we know.

What is VoRide?

The experience will be similar to that of well-known rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft.

VoRide will be available as a phone app, offered through both the Apple Store and Google Play, where passengers can “easily set their pick-up and drop-off locations, confirm ride availability, and see the driver's estimated arrival time,” according to the county.

Residents without smartphone access can book rides through Votran's website or by contacting customer support.

Toyota Siennas "or a similar style/brand vehicles" will be used for the service, according to the county. Capacity will vary based on the demand throughout the day and vehicles available, but typically, the passenger seating will be at least four people.

How much will VoRide cost?

The service will have “a standard fare of just $2 per ride per individual,” according to the county.

Children who are 7 years old or younger will ride for free with an accompanying parent or guardian. Riders can set up their payment information (credit and debit cards accepted) through the VoRide app.

“Rides may involve multiple pick-ups and drop-offs to optimize efficiency and maintain low fares. Vehicles equipped with wheelchair access will also be available upon request,” according to the county. “Vehicles will bear the VoRide emblem, and every driver is an employee of Via who has undergone comprehensive background checks.”

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VoRide will start exclusively in DeLand

VoRide will be exclusively available in DeLand in December.

According to the county, this initiative is seen as a "Transit-progressive approach to provide an additional transportation option for its residents and visitors."

"Notably, areas like DeLand, especially in the early stages of this service, lack proximity to bus stops," county spokesman Clayton Jackson wrote in an email to The News-Journal. "This presents a cost-efficient means for users to access transportation and, when needed, link up with established bus route services to arrive at their desired destinations."

In a statement to The News-Journal, DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman wrote that the city is "excited to pilot" the new service.

"The door-to-door service will be an invaluable improvement to those who rely on public transportation to reach medical offices, groceries and employment, who will no longer be restrained by weather, distance to a bus stop or scheduling," Cloudman wrote. "VoRide will also provide a first-mile / last-mile connection to our soon-to-be-opened DeLand SunRail station.”

Program expansion to other county cities "could occur in 2024 or 2025," Jackson wrote.

“Users must start and end their trips within the designated service zone outlined in the VoRide app,” according to the county. “For destinations outside the service zone, passengers will be taken to the nearest Votran transfer point to continue their trip on a conventional Votran bus.”

The contract with Via, which will operate the program, cost the county around $2.2 million before revenue from fares, which is anticipated to be $198,000 annually, according to the Transit Services Division.

For information, visit votran.org.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: DeLand rideshare service 'VoRide' to begin in December