Bridj micro-transit starts Monday; new details and map

With the new micro-transit service Ride KC: Bridj set to start on Monday, a map of its service area and other keys details are available today. Bridj, a micro-transit system so far is available only in Boston, Washington D.C. and now Kansas City.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) says the one-year pilot project is generating interesting across the country from other cities and transit agencies.

“Bridj will be an empowering tool that will offer one more option to make it easier for people to get around,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO. “KCATA is a place where bus, bike, streetcar and rapid transit come together to create a seamless and borderless transportation network that’s easy and friendly to use. Bridj will be a valuable addition to Kansas City’s mix of transportation options.”

Bridj calls its service “pop-up urban infrastructure.” The app-based service figures out where riders want to go and how to get them there most efficiently. Riders can use the app to request shuttle service and are notified of a pickup spot.

The service is only available within specific services areas including the University of Kansas Medical Center and other parts of Midtown as indicated by a map released today. Other areas of Kansas City eligible for Bridj service include Hospital Hill, Crown Center, and the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz district.

View a larger map of the service area.

Here are additional details about the service

• The service will be available for morning and afternoon rush hour trips, from 6 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 7 p.m. CORRECTION: The service will be available for morning and afternoon rush hour trips, from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• The introductory fare for the pilot program will be only $1.50, the same as a fare for the local RideKC bus service. To sweeten the deal, Ride KC: Bridj offers the first 10 rides for free with the promo code KCBRIDJ.
• Customers can download the app now from the Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Search for “Bridj” to find the app. Beginning Monday, the same ride-haling technology for Boston and DC will be available in Kansas City.
• Ride KC: Bridj will feature free Wi-Fi, a guaranteed seat, no transfers and fewer stops along the way.