Sault Ste. Marie On Demand
Sault Ste. Marie Transit Services continues to research and explore ways to ensure the most appropriate and timely service is being delivered to its users.
Similar to Sunday service, Saturday on demand will run from 7:15 p.m. to midnight, with a final booking time for a ride at 11:15 p.m.
The goal of the on demand service is to respond directly to ride requests as they come in. Passengers hail a ride using the Sault Ste. Marie On Demand app (iOS and Android) created by on demand mobility developer Via or by calling Transit Services to book a ride as needed.
Users can set their pick up and drop off location, and the app will provide the passenger with their real-time ride details including wait times. The service allows riders to travel from one pre-existing established stop to another as requested. Once the bus arrives, the passenger can proceed onto the bus and pay using their existing transit pass or cash. Benefits of the app include rider notifications and messages, real-time vehicle tracking and an opportunity for users to provide post-ride feedback.
The app is available to download through the
Apple Store and
Google Play.
FAQs
When does On Demand Transit start?
On Demand Transit Services is already in place for Sunday evening service. Beginning September 11, Sault Transit is expanding its on demand service to include Saturday evening as well.
How does SSM On Demand work?
Passengers hail a ride using the Sault Ste. Marie On Demand app (iOS and Android) created by on demand mobility developer Via or by calling Transit Services at (705) 759-5438 to book a ride as needed. The user can set their pick up and drop off location, and the app provides the passenger with their real-time ride details including wait times. Service allows riders to travel from one pre-existing established stop to another as requested. Once the bus arrives, the passenger can proceed onto the bus and pay using their existing transit pass or cash.
How much will it cost to ride On Demand Transit?
The On Demand fare is the same as regular bus fares. That is $3.25 per trip. Sault Ste. Marie Transit bus passes will also be accepted during On Demand hours.
What are the payment options?
Same price as regular Sault Ste. Marie Transit fares. Sault Ste. Marie Transit bus pass and cash (exact change required) will be accepted.
What are the hours that the Saturday and Sunday On Demand service will run?
Both Saturday and Sunday On Demand will run in the evenings during the 7:15 p.m. to 12 midnight hours only, with a final booking time for a ride at 11:15 p.m.
Why is On Demand service available only on Saturday and Sunday evenings?
Saturday and Sunday evening is traditionally a period where ridership is low (averaging 445 passengers per evening) and the majority of bus stops are not being utilized. All other days and times will remain on the regular route schedules.
What is the name of the app?
Sault Ste. Marie On Demand.
What are the benefits of the app?
Benefits of the app include rider notifications and messages, real-time bus tracking and an opportunity for users to provide post-ride feedback.
What if I have to cancel my ride?
You can cancel your ride at any time prior to boarding the bus. If you are paying with a credit card in the app and cancel a ride prior to boarding you will receive an account credit in the app, not a refund to your credit card. No-shows will be tracked. Customers who are frequent no-shows may be subject to an account suspension.
How long will I wait?
The app provides you with an accurate estimate of your pick-up time before booking. You can also track your bus in real time to see when your ride will arrive. Note that this is a shared ride service and other customers may be scheduled to travel with you so its important to allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
What if I’m travelling with a friend or a group of friends?
When travelling with a friend you can request a seat for up to ten additional passengers. Each passenger will be required to pay the bus fare of $3.20 or use their bus pass.
What if I don't have a smart phone?
For riders without a computer, smart phone or ability to use the app, you can call (705) 759-5438 to schedule your trip. The Transit dispatcher will be able to give you a bus arrival time, along with confirming your pickup and drop off location. Riders will not be able to board a bus without booking a ride through the app or calling on Saturday and/or Sunday nights.
Can I use my bus pass?
Yes, all Sault Ste. Marie Transit bus passes will be accepted as a source of payment for the On Demand Service.
How do I use a transfer?
You may still use your transfer by selecting the “bus pass/transfer” option for payment.
Accessible service (wheelchairs, mobility aids, etc.)
All Sault Ste. Marie transit buses are fully accessible.
Low Floor - All buses are low floor design (1 step on, 1 step off) at the front and rear door areas, for persons with walkers and canes, or who are able to walk unassisted but have difficulty using stairs.
Ramp - All Low Floor buses are equipped with a folding ramp for easy boarding, with slip-resistant and raised edges to prevent your assistive device (wheelchair, walker, cane, and strollers) from slipping off. Upon request, the transit operator will lower these ramps at the front door area in order to assist people with disabilities board and get off the bus more easily with their assistive devices i.e., wheelchair, walker, cane.
Children on board
Children 12 and under ride for free when accompanied by an adult.