СÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ

Prince George’s Co. begins on-demand neighborhood rider service

African american man using cellphone applications texting message in messengers, male black hands holding phone working playing game on smartphone, mobile technology lifestyle concept, close up view(Getty Images/iStockphoto/fizkes)

An on-demand neighborhood transit service launching Monday in Prince George’s County, Maryland, will let residents book pickups from their own homes with no fixed stops or schedules.

The Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation seeks to examine the feasibility of its new .

The service will function a lot differently than other public transportation options residents are likely used to. For one, there won’t be a set schedule, pickup spots or routes — instead, riders will be able to request service to their location through an app called TransLoc now available for or phones.

After requesting a ride, travelers will be given an estimated pickup time and be able to track their vehicle on a map with alerts once it nears arrival, similar to an Uber or Lyft. on how to install the app and call for a pickup.

“DPW&T’s new on demand transit service helps you get around in defined neighborhoods,” reads a news release describing the service. “It comes to your door when you book a ride during service hours.”

The pilot program’s initial service area will be bounded by Interstate 495 to the north, the Potomac River on the west, Old Fort Road on the south and the communities of Palmers Corner, Friendly and Fort Washington Forest on the east.

Passengers can travel anywhere within that approximately 17-mile zone — notably, including National Harbor, MGM Casino, Old Forte Village Shopping Center and Tanger Outlets — but cannot be picked up or dropped off outside it.

Service hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with only same-day reservations available. Fares are $2 payable with the app; SmarTrip cards are not accepted.

Alejandro Alvarez

Alejandro Alvarez joined СÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ as a digital journalist and editor in June 2018. He is a reporter and photographer focusing on politics, political activism and international affairs.

Federal СÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ Network Logo
Log in to your СÂÜÀòÓ°ÊÓ account for notifications and alerts customized for you.