If you don’t have it yet, be sure to download the BCGo smartphone app, because the on-demand, county-wide service received funding for another year.
Battle Creek Transit received $300,000 in continuation funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation to operate the BCGo service – officially the Calhoun County Coordinated Mobility Pilot. The pilot began on March 8, 2021 for one year of initial operation. An MDOT Service Initiatives grant initially funded the pilot with $395,505.
This extends service at least through late spring/early summer of 2023. Beyond that, the city’s Transit team, and local leaders across the county, continue discussions about next steps to continue providing critical public transportation services.
“This extension gives us the ability to focus on the data we’ve already collected, and really develop a transportation model that works for Calhoun County,” said Kristy Grestini, Battle Creek Transit’s Mobility Manager. “BCGo has already proven to be successful in our community, but this additional funding gives us the opportunity to build on what we have already been providing, and really demonstrate what a county-wide micro-transit system could do for our community in the future.”
Since launching last year, over 2,500 users have created accounts with BCGo, and the service has received over 45,000 trip requests. BCGo has successfully demonstrated providing county-wide, on-demand public transportation by providing about 9,800 passenger trips – with only two minivans serving 718 square miles at reduced passenger capacity (due to the COVID-19 pandemic).
BCGo offers a new model of public transportation, using innovative technology while remaining affordable, reliable, and accessible.
Important details about BCGo:
- The BCGo Calhoun County app is available from the Apple Store or the Google Play Store.
- Operating hours are 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.
- Fares are $3-15 per one-way trip, depending on trip distance. Users can pay in the app, or on board the vehicle. Drivers do not carry cash, and take exact fare only.
- Riders can book trips up to 14 days in advance.
- Anyone without access to a smartphone can schedule BCGo trips by calling Transit at 269-966-3474.
- Children must be at least 8 years old to ride, and not require a car seat, including booster seats.
- All vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and can store mobility aids, like walkers.
- This is a shared-ride service, so the app will match multiple passengers taking trips in the same direction.
- Not all vehicles providing this service show the BCGo name and branding, because multiple agencies are collaborating to provide rides.
Last fall, Battle Creek Transit also received funding from the Kellogg Company. Kellogg invested $150,000 in this important service, allowing Transit to purchase two new minivans, bringing our fleet to four. The new minivans should arrive by the end of 2022.