City of Dowagiac, MI, launches on-demand transit service

The City of Dowagiac (Cass County, MI) has launched its on-demand transit service, in partnership with The Routing Company (TRC).

The new service uses TRC’s Ride Pingo app, modernising phone-in requests and scheduling through Pingo Rural – a solution designed to boost rural transit rollouts with on-demand and commingled services.

The new service, Dowagiac DART, operates within city limits and stretches to include Southwestern Michigan College. The on-demand service coordinates with Cass County Public Transit, which operates a county-wide transit service. TRC will also enhance this currently Dial-a-Ride services with an on-demand service.

“We are thrilled to support the City of Dowagiac in its pursuit of connected, responsive, and flexible transit where every rider is included,” said James Cox, Chief Executive Officer, TRC. “Launching on-demand service, powered by Pingo, delivers on the City of Dowagiac’s commitment to offering the safest and most convenient service possible.”

TRC is supporting Dowagiac’s on-demand transit needs with its full suite of Pingo products – including the Pingo Journey feature. The Pingo platform includes the Drive Pingo and Ride Pingo apps and the Pingo Dashboard operations management tool, which together provide on-demand, paratransit, fixed, shuttle, and flexible transit that enhances ridership of existing transit networks. 

“Our long-term focus has always been improving accessible services. With the launch of on-demand service we are making the freedom to move even easier for our residents,” said Dowagiac City Manager Kevin Anderson. “Riders can easily track the location of their ride.  This app makes transportation more convenient, concise, and responsive.”

Pingo has moved over one million passengers to date, having also deployed two other services in Michigan this year – the City of Big Rapids and Western Washtenaw Area Value Express.