Mountain Empire Older Citizens – MET-Go!
Mountain Empire Older Citizens’ MET-Go! program is a microtransit service in the rural community of Big Stone Gap, VA, serving the City of Norton and the Town of Wise in Wise County. Microtransit offers an on-demand service that can be accessed by mobile phone or online portal to book a trip for same-day service in the service zone, and response time to the ride request takes just a few minutes.
What makes this innovative?
MET-Go! uses a microtransit technology from Via to address the transportation needs in a rural community. MET-Go! makes it simple and easy for riders, including older adults and people with disabilities, to schedule safe, reliable, on-demand transportation at their convenience. Through Met-Go! community members gain better access to the community with a service that augments the demand-response service that requires 24-hour notice. Funded by FTA Section 5311 (rural) funds and an Integrated Mobility Innovation (IMI) grant from the Federal Transit Administration, the program improves access to transportation and, therefore, better access to health care, food, public services, socialization, shopping, education and employment. In its first year MET-Go! completed 44,000 trips; more than 26,000 of those trips were provided to older adults or people with disabilities. Nearly one third of trips were for medical reasons.
Service evaluation of both the microtransit program and the demand-response transportation service encompasses quality of service, average estimated time of arrival for microtransit/on-demand trips only, ride availability, average wait time and rider survey comments. In each instance, MET-Go! has outperformed demand-response service in cost per ride, cost per hour, and miles per trip. Rider surveys and comments characterize MET-Go! as life-changing.
Lessons Learned and Replication Advice:
› Secure the right partnerships, including a strong technology partner like Via. Mountain Empire partners with the University of Virginia at Wise, the City of Norton and the Town of Wise.
› Hire or identify a driver who will champion the program.
› Emphasize face-to-face and word-of-mouth awareness to achieve best promotional results. Drivers and staff attended community events and forums to distribute promotional materials.
› Secure at least two vehicles and drivers, and staff who can be flexible in developing the service if starting a brand new microtransit program.