SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — SporTran plans to launch its new SporTran OnDemand app Saturday (May 6).

It will replace the public transit company’s Ecolane app now in use.

“Our previous app was not as user-friendly as we needed it to be,” SporTran CEO Dinero’ Washington said.

“We literally have the SporTran OnDemand app that does the same functionality as the Uber or Lyft app. Before we had an app where you can just request a trip, and the vehicle could pick you up but you really couldn’t see the video in real-time. This gives you the vehicle in real-time on the map and you can track the vehicle.”It also improves the overall engagement with the operator. If the operator is running late for some reason they have a way to notify you,” Washington said.

The new app was developed with on-demand transit software maker RideCo.

“We had an exhaustive bid process in Q3 and Q4 of 2022 to vet software replacements,” Washington said.

Washington said the app is especially important SporTran’s paratransit riders who need door-to-door services.

“RideCo was an easy choice; their software is designed with our dispatchers and passengers in mind. With RideCo, micro-transit, and paratransit OnDemand riders can book trips with ease, and our staff can manage trips, bookings, and customer service efficiently.”

This service has always taken care of our paratransit clients. That’s our ADA passengers that need service that we do door-to-door service with. As we grow the platform and add additional own demand service for those that use our general fixed route service which is the normal city bus. This opens up new avenues. It improves their connection times where you don’t have to feel like you’re waiting for a bus forever,” Washington said.

SporTran says its new OnDemand app simplifies booking for the end user because:

• It’s easy to access and easy to book trips for today, tomorrow or next month. You also can book multiple paratransit trips at one time.
• Users can get guaranteed pickup and arrive-before times that factor in traffic and road conditions.
• The SporTran OnDemand app is available in the Apple Store, Google Play and via URL.

► Paratransit users’ accounts will automatically transfer from Ecolane to RideCo.

► Microtransit OnDemand users will need to create a new account for their RideCo app.

► Call (318) 221-7433 if you have questions or need help with the new app.

SporTrans says the launch Saturday follows multiple training sessions for OnDemand drivers, dispatchers and management.