TCATA Selects Via to Modernize and Revitalize the Twin Cities Public Transit Network

Key Terms

multi-modal transit networks technical

An interconnected system that moves people and goods using more than one type of transport—such as trains, buses, bikes, ferries and shared-ride services—designed so transfers are convenient and schedules line up. For investors, these networks matter because they influence demand for transit fares, infrastructure spending, real estate values near hubs, and operating costs; strong integration is like a well‑coordinated orchestra that boosts ridership and revenue potential.

paratransit technical

Paratransit is on-demand or flexible transportation service that carries people who cannot use regular buses or trains—often due to a disability, mobility limitation, or lack of nearby fixed-route options. Think of it as a door-to-door shuttle or taxi system tailored to individual needs; for investors it matters because paratransit contracts, operating costs, and government subsidies affect revenue stability, capital needs, and regulatory risk in transit and mobility businesses.

demand-response service technical

A demand-response service pays or incentivizes electricity users to temporarily reduce or shift their power use when the grid is stressed or prices spike, acting like a flexible reserve that balances supply and demand. For investors, it matters because it can lower system costs, create new revenue streams for service providers, and reduce the need for expensive power plants—similar to how ride-share drivers cover peak demand instead of a company buying more cars.

telematics systems technical

Telematics systems are networks of hardware and software—usually GPS, sensors, and wireless connections—that collect and transmit real-time data about vehicles or mobile assets, including location, speed, engine health and driver behavior. For investors, they matter because that data can cut operating costs, improve safety and regulatory compliance, enable new service offerings (like usage-based insurance or fleet optimization), and reveal revenue or risk trends much like a smartphone gives continuous status updates on a device.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority (TCATA) has selected Via to deploy its category-leading software and services platform to transform the area’s public transit system. Leveraging Via’s unique ability to provide end-to-end planning, operation, and optimization of multi-modal transit networks, Via and TCATA will perform a comprehensive redesign of the area’s transit focusing on improving transit access and reliability, modernizing the passenger experience, and enhancing passenger and operational safety.

Via and TCATA hold a shared vision that everyone in the area should have access to efficient and affordable mobility – and that this can be achieved without an increase in operating costs. TCATA selected Via on the back of the Company’s successful network takeovers in cities such as Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Mobile Alabama where Via has been able to increase ridership by nearly 40% and reduce safety incidents by 70%, all while reducing the average cost per ride.

Expanded Coverage and Seamless Service

Via's plans propose significantly expanding transit access throughout the Benton Harbor-St. Joseph urbanized area (UZA) and beyond. Depending on the final service model adopted, the redesign is projected to increase the population with access to transit from 12,000 people to as many as 59,000 people, dramatically boosting access to jobs, health centers, and education opportunities.

Key improvements for the new system include:

• Integrated, More Efficient Demand-Response Service: Paratransit and Dial-a-Ride will operate as one coordinated service, improving efficiency while delivering a smoother, more reliable rider experience.
• Faster, More Reliable Trips: The network redesign will prioritize shorter travel times for riders and improved on-time performance across the network.
• Modern Booking and Flexible Payment: A new mobile app will make it easier to plan, book, and pay for trips, including same-day bookings and real-time updates via the app and SMS. Riders will have access to flexible payment options, including cards, fare discounts and passes.
• Expanded Regional Connectivity: Long-term planning includes improved connections to key regional destinations, including the South Bend/Notre Dame campus, St. Joseph and New Buffalo Amtrak stations and the Southwest Michigan Regional Airport (BEH).
• Safety, Workforce, and Community Commitment: TCATA has selected a turnkey solution from Via whereby Via will provide its best-in-class software platform to power the area’s transit as well as provide operational services to manage the day-to-day oversight of the network. Through Via’s integrated software and operations the Company will introduce new and enhanced digital acquisition and onboarding processes for staff recruitment and enhanced telematics systems to improve safety outcomes.

About Via

Via is the technology backbone of a modern transportation network. We transform public transportation systems into dynamic networks, based on data and demand. Cities and transit agencies around the world adopt Via’s suite of software and technology-enabled services to replace fragmented legacy systems and consolidate operations. As a result, Via lowers the cost of providing transit, improves the passenger experience, and brings more riders on board. Today, the Via platform is utilized by hundreds of cities across more than 30 countries to create public transportation systems that connect people with jobs, healthcare, and education.

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Investor Relations: ir@ridewithvia.com

Source: Via