Whether it’s getting to and from work, appointments, school or shopping, Highlands Ranch residents now have a new and free way to get around the community through Via’s Link on Demand service.
It’s an app-based service that connects users to specific destinations across Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree, such as the Wildcat Shopping Center, the Lone Tree Arts Center or Park Meadows Retail Resort.
With 15 vehicles in Highlands Ranch and four full-time vehicles in Lone Tree, the service is designed to serve a wide range of users, including students, older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Following the success of the City of Lone Tree’s Link on Demand service, the Douglas County commissioners previously approved a $2.9 million contract with Via Transportation Inc. for microstransit services to expand into Highlands Ranch.
As previously reported by the Highlands Ranch Herald, the county anticipates 2,200 to 2,400 rides per week.
Additionally, the county believes there are popular destinations for rides, so users can select those specific locations in choosing where they need to go.
These locations include the Littleton/Mineral Station, Redstone Park, Civic Green Park/ Highlands Ranch Library, Highlands Ranch Senior Center, Highland Heritage Park, Lone Tree Recreation Center, Sky Ridge Medical Center and Lincoln Station.
The Link on Demand service runs daily, except on Sundays and select holidays.
Service hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
How to request a ride
First, download the Link on Demand app and create an account.
Enter the pick up and drop off location addresses and click “book this ride.” Users can tap on the accessibility icon in their r profile to request a wheelchair accessible vehicle.
Once the ride is confirmed, the user will be given an estimated time of arrival and they can follow the driver’s progress in real-time. The app will also give the user directions to their virtual bus stop.
Users might have to walk to their virtual bus stop as this is a shared ride service.
Those wanting a ride but do not have access to a mobile device can all 719-212-2430 to schedule a ride.
Learn more about the service at City.RideWithVia.com/LinkOnDemand.