The DCTA service will use up to 20 rideshare GoZone vans for the coverage area in Frisco, per a city news release. (Samantha Douty/Community Impact)
Frisco's public transit services have seen increased ridership in recent months, prompting city officials to evaluate potential service area expansions and other improvements.
During a Nov. 3 meeting, the Frisco City Council heard updates on ridership for GoZone and the Rail District Boxcar Shuttle. City documents show both transit services are exploring improvements, including service zone expansions and a live tracking tool.
The background
In partnership with Denton County Transportation Authority, the city of Frisco launched its on-demand micro transit rideshare service May 5. The GoZone rideshare program aims to provide flexible mobility within Frisco city limits while connecting to regional transit infrastructure.
Frisco’s Rail District Boxcar service was launched June 6, offering a free-to-ride electric shuttle service along 13 stops on a loop between World Cup Way and North County Road along Main and Elm Streets.
Riders can use the service for free on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with the vehicle running every 10 minutes. The transit fleet includes an Americans with Disabilities Act-accessible electric shuttle, with a five-passenger minivan available on reserve for special events. The pilot program will run for 12 months, with an option to extend the service.
What to know
A presentation from the City Council meeting states GoZone has completed 4,998 rides with 466 individual riders in Frisco as of Oct. 13.
GoZone averaged about 324 riders per week in October, marking a surge of approximately 218 weekly riders following a free ride promotion in August. A total of 801 passengers have traveled to or from the Northwest Plano Park & Ride station since GoZone’s Frisco launch.
Jason Brodigan, Frisco's director of Engineering Services, said the service area has doubled since GoZone launched, with city officials continuing to evaluate opportunities for further growth.
“That should really help us pick up the rides,” Brodigan said. “That expanded area captures 72% of Frisco residents … we feel like the system is working as intended; we’re running under budget and expanding smartly.”
Frisco recently expanded its DCTA GoZone micro transit service map, growing to include 72% of Frisco residents. (Courtesy city of Frisco)
The Rail District Boxcar Shuttle averages ridership in the 30s on weekends. The city introduced a revised route and schedule Oct. 23 to better align service with downtown activity, according to city documents.
The presentation states city officials are testing real-time tracking features allowing riders to see the location of the shuttle along its route.
What else?
The presentation identifies the following as DCTA GoZone riders' most popular destinations.
Brodigan said new DCTA GoZone riders can receive two free rides through the end of the year.
GoZone operates between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Pricing remains between $3 and $5 per person, depending on distance.
