Addison Council hears competing microtransit proposals as town readies possible exit from DART

Representatives from two vendors bidding to provide Addison’s microtransit and paratransit service presented detailed proposals at the City Council work session on March 10.

Ashley Schroyer, deputy city manager, said the RFP sought a solution that would maintain paratransit at current levels, offer reliable local circulation within town limits, establish efficient connections to nearby transit hubs and provide clear scheduling technology and phone options.

Circuit’s team emphasized an operations‑first approach and a “plug‑and‑play” technology stack that the company said would allow Addison to change integrations as platforms evolve. Eric (Circuit) described a proposed in‑town electric fleet of six Volkswagen ID.Buzz vehicles with two paratransit (ambulatory and wheelchair‑accessible) vehicles for regional trips, a dedicated client success manager, and an estimated 12‑week timeline to launch microtransit (paratransit could be ready sooner). Circuit proposed partnering with local subcontractors such as ZTrip for paratransit and allowing controlled overflow to third‑party services during peaks.

Via described an end‑to‑end model that bundles its software and operations, citing scale in North Texas and the ability—staff said in some cases—to stand up microtransit and paratransit in a matter of weeks from contract award. Via’s presenters said their proposal included multimodal integration with GoPass and other trip planners, wheelchair‑accessible vehicle options, driver training and a commingled fleet model that can shift vehicles between microtransit and paratransit demand.

Council members pressed both vendors on operational details that would affect riders and city costs: how to enroll existing DART paratransit riders, whether riders would pay twice when transferring to DART services, how wait times would be guaranteed during event peaks, options for cash or alternative payment methods for visitors, where vehicles and chargers would be stored and who would own vehicles and charging infrastructure, and how homeless or fare‑challenged riders would be handled. Circuit said paratransit enrollment could be automated if DART or Transdev provided data, or vendors could grandfather riders in and vet eligibility. Via said it supports cash payment options and GoPass integration and stressed that policies such as shared‑ride targets and fare levels are decisions for the city.

Both companies described safety features—driver background checks, camera systems, and de‑escalation training—and offered performance reporting and frequent data sharing. Council members repeatedly raised concerns about complexity: routing riders to rally points for DART connections, potential double fares for riders transferring between services, and the logistics of transit timing. Several members also asked to see the companies' financials and additional references before a contract decision.

Next procedural steps: the council will continue negotiations in closed session on financial terms and may ask staff to return with clarifications on rider enrollment, fare policy options and integration details.