The city of Annapolis, Md., launched a new on-demand shared transit service, Annapolis GO, powered by Via.
The service provides Annapolis residents, visitors and workers with a convenient, sustainable way to travel to and from downtown, including Eastport. For $2, anyone within the service zone can book an on-demand ride from an app or by calling a phone number.
The goal of Annapolis GO is to reduce private car reliance and expand city-wide transportation access by providing a tech-based shared ride service that can be booked by anyone at a moment’s notice. Annapolis GO is part of Annapolis’ $40 million revitalization effort, “Reimagining of City Dock,” which includes the repurposing of downtown’s Hillman garage and the City Dock area to create vibrant community-building spaces and introduce resilient mobility solutions.
By providing a flexible service that serves both Eastport and a broader downtown zone, Annapolis GO will extend the reach of Annapolis’ existing transit options, including the Circulator shuttle, other fixed-route bus lines and the new 10-minute trolley.
Via’s app uses intelligent algorithms to match multiple riders headed in the same direction to provide quick and efficient shared trips, without the fixed schedules or routes of traditional public transit. Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available upon request.
“Via is thrilled to partner with the city of Annapolis to launch Annapolis GO, which will bring flexible, sustainable public mobility to downtown and Eastport,” said Eric Gardiner, partnerships principal, Via. “As a former midshipman, graduate of the Naval Academy and Annapolis resident, I know first-hand that on-demand transportation will help the community in Annapolis to better reach the opportunities that this great city offers. We’re excited to be part of the city’s innovative mobility future as it makes Annapolis more resilient.”
How to ride with Annapolis GO
The first two rides are free with the code GO4FREE! Riders without a smartphone can book a ride by calling.
To ride:
- Create an account. Download the Annapolis GO app from the App Store or Google Play Store and follow the signup steps.
- Book a ride. Enter a pickup and drop-off addresses. Choose the ride that works by tapping Book This Ride. Be sure to tap the Wheelchair icon if needed.
- Meet the driver. Check the app to find out exactly where to meet the vehicle, which may be a short walk from the address entered.
Service details
Price: $2 per ride. Add additional passengers for $1.
Service hours:
- Monday-Friday: 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 12:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
