On-Demand Bus Service

Trial Phase #1 (April 19 to June 13, 2021):

On-demand transit will be available during the following operating hours:

WHEELS Transit:

• Monday to Friday: 6:15 a.m. to 10 p.m.

*Call centre bookings begin at 8 a.m. 

All Riders:

• Monday to Friday**: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
• Sunday: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

**Route 1 and 2 Conventional Transit will remain operational during Trial Phase #1 from Monday to Friday from 6:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Trial Phase #2 (Begins June 14, 2021):

On-demand transit will be available during the following operating hours: 

All Riders:

• Monday to Friday: 6:15 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday: 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
• Sunday: 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

**Route 1 and 2 Conventional Transit will no longer be available during Trial Phase #2.

1) 'Pick-Up On-Demand' App

Booking a bus on Cobourg Rides is convenient, user-friendly and completely customizable. Here's how it works:

1. Download the "Pick-Up On-Demand" app on Google Play or the App Store
2. If you're a first-time user, create an account online or call 905-373-0582. If not, login to your existing account.
3. Choose "Book a ride" and go through the process of selecting your nearest available transit stop or virtual stop as your pick-up location and destination.
4. Include your desired date and time based on availability.
5. Pay through the secure online account to complete booking.
6. Track your vehicle in real-time and be ready at the curb-side at your designated pick-up location.
7. Hop on, find a seat, relax and enjoy the ride.
8. Arrive at your destination on-time and rate your ride. 
   
   

2) Book Online

Visit the 'Pick-Up On-Demand' web application to book online at https://book.pickup.rideco.com.

• Choose “book a ride” and select the nearest available transit stop or virtual stop as your pick up and drop off location, date and time.
   

3) Call 905-373-0582

Book an on-demand ride over the phone. The hours of operation to use the phone booking service are:

• Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday 8:15 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
• Sunday 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Single Ride: $2.00

*Multi-ride passes coming soon.

**Cash and paper tickets will be accepted onboard. 

Payments made through the "Pick-Up On-Demand" app are payable by credit card or Visa-debit.

  News & Notices

• Public Notice: Cobourg Rides On-Demand Transit Service Improves Rider Pick Up Times (Issued August 18/21)
• Press Release: Town of Cobourg Announces Launch of Cobourg Rides On-Demand Transit System (Issued: Mar.30/21)

How is on-demand different from traditional (fixed route) transit service?

Most transit services have fixed routes, bus stops and schedules. Buses must continue on the route even if there are no passengers. With the proposed on-demand service, passengers must request transportation in advance, which will stop at the curb next to their pick-up location. There is no set schedule and if there are no riders, the bus can be parked until there is a request for service, saving money and decreasing GHG emissions.

Why not have bus routes instead?

The Town’s Service Delivery Review identified that the fixed route level of service is not providing the best value for the costs associated with the operational and capital expenses. In order to improve the level of service to all areas of the Town without significantly increasing operational costs associated with additional routes, it was determined, through research of available transit service options, that an on-demand service model would best suit a Town of Cobourg’s size.

I want to be picked up at a specific address. Why isn't this service door-to-door?

On-demand service operates ‘curb-to-curb,’ meaning that the bus will stop at the curb next to the location requested for pick up (virtual stop or transit stop). During the trial phase of the on-demand pilot, we are utilizing our existing transit fleet vehicles which are full size buses. Not all streets and addresses can be accessed by these larger vehicles due to their width and wide turning radii. Riders must be waiting at the curb when the bus arrives. The app will provide expected arrival times so riders can be prepared.

How does the service work?

On-demand is similar to Uber or other ride-hailing companies. Customers will book their trip in advance  either through a mobile app (computer or smart phone) or by calling. You will be asked to provide a pick-up location (existing transit stop or virtual stop), the time you would like to be picked-up and where you are traveling. If you are completing a roundtrip, you can book the pick up and return trip at the same time!

How is it determined where I can be picked up and dropped off?

When you book a ride, you can input your current location and drop off destination (address, intersection, name of location, etc.). The booking app or call centre will automatically show/tell you the nearest virtual stop or existing transit stop to your pick up and drop off location.

What is a virtual stop?

A virtual stop is a pre-determined location that can be selected by a rider as a pick up or drop off location. There are many virtual stop locations around all areas of Town for you to choose from. The bus must pick you up or drop you off at either a virtual stop or existing transit stop. Virtual stops are specifically located where the transit vehicles can access and where riders can easily and safely board and disembark. Virtual stops have been spaced so that there is a very short walking distance from most addresses.

Where are the virtual stops?
A map is included on this page which shows the existing location of transit stops as well as the new virtual stops.

Can virtual stops be added to this service?

Yes they can! As the pilot progresses, data will be collected that will show us where the most frequently requested stops are happening so that we can add more stop locations to make the service even better for riders.

How is this different than a taxi?

The service is a shared-ride service. Routes will be created based on customers being picked-up and dropped-off. There may be multiple customers traveling to different places throughout the community in the same vehicle. This shared-ride model improves access for customers to the service while reducing costs to the Town.

When will the service launch?

The Town is soft-launching on April 19, 2021 with the first phase for 8 weeks and then will transition to full on demand service on June 14, 2021.

How much will the service cost?

A single trip is $2.00. Multi-pass options will be available soon.

Can I pay with cash?

Yes you can pay for your ride with a $2 cash fare or paper tickets onboard.

Where can I purchase ticket booklets or monthly passes?

We are working on these details. More information will be posted as we approach the trial launch date!

How do I register an account with RideCo in order to book rides?

Registration is now available. You can create an account with RideCo online or call 705-373-0582 to have someone set up an account for you.

What if I can’t book online or use the app?

You can call our call centre to book your rides at 905-373-0582. During the first phase of the trial period, the call centre will be available for all hours that the on-demand service is being provided with the exception of 6:15am to 8:00am Monday to Friday for Wheels members.

How do I book my return ride home if I don’t have access to a phone or smart phone while I’m away from my house?

No problem! You can book your return trip home at the same time that you book your pick up time.

For example: on the fixed route system, you know that you would normally catch the bus at 9:15 am in order to get to the bank by 10:00 am and you know that you have to be back at the stop waiting for the bus at 11:00 am to go home. When you book a return trip with the on demand service, you can still get picked up at 9:15 am and can request a return trip pick up from the bank at 11:00 am, same as the fixed route! Alternatively, if you don’t need that whole hour, you can book an earlier return time. The best part about on-demand is that you are not limited to a set schedule. You get to make your own!

What can I expect for wait times?

When you book a ride, either the app or dispatcher will  provide you with the driver’s estimated pick up time and destination arrival time. If you are using a smart phone, you will receive a notification when your vehicle has arrived. You also have the option to use the mobile app to track your vehicle’s location in real-time enroute to your location. Remember that this is a shared transportation service so wait and travel times may vary. Routes may not be direct as the driver picks-up/drops-off other customers along the way.

Why am I not able to see details about the vehicle’s location?

Location details are visible on the app only when the vehicle is enroute to your location. You can track the vehicle in real-time on the map when it’s nearer to your pick-up time.

Will the transit vehicle wait for me if I am late?

In order to provide timely service to all riders, it is not possible for the vehicle to wait.   All vehicles must maintain the schedule for picking up and dropping off passengers. . Unlike a taxi, the transit vehicle will not wait for individuals to come out of their home or business, or pull up on driveways. The maximum time the vehicle can wait is one minute.

Can I cancel or modify my bookings?

When you book a ride, you are making a commitment to the system and the driver since a schedule is created to accommodate your trip and potentially other people’s trip too. If you are not able to take the ride, we advise you to cancel as soon as possible. 

Can I use the on-demand service to go to Port Hope?

The on-demand service is only available within the Town of Cobourg. The existing shuttle between Cobourg and Port Hope will continue to operate.