#United States #Salt Lake City #Community Ride #Kinetech #UTA

Introducing Community Ride: A New Wave in Rural Transportation

Kinetech, in collaboration with the Utah Transit Authority (UTA), has recently launched Community Ride, an innovative digital platform designed specifically for managing on-demand and scheduled transportation assistance programs. This cutting-edge solution seeks to address the transportation challenges faced by rural and underserved communities, making it easier for non-profits, local governments, and Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to operate efficiently and effectively.

The unveiling of the Community Ride platform took place at the CTAA EXPO 2025, an event dedicated to improving rural, tribal, and small urban transit systems. This venue was deemed ideal for the announcement, as Community Ride aims to empower agencies to broaden their reach and enhance their flexibility in providing essential transportation services. As Craig Smith, the Vice President at Community Ride stated, "CTAA is the perfect venue to announce the launch of Community Ride, which empowers agencies to expand access to rural transportation assistance with greater reach, flexibility, and efficiency."

Features That Make a Difference

Community Ride is not merely a transportation application; it represents a comprehensive approach to filling the service gaps that often plague rural areas. The platform comes equipped with several key features designed to streamline operations and improve service delivery:

1. Agency Mobility Management

Agencies can configure their own programs and manage various elements such as funding sources, rider eligibility, driver assignments, and compliance tracking from a centralized interface. This level of control allows for better organizational governance and adaptability to changing needs.

2. User-Friendly Ride-Share Experience

The app ensures an efficient ride-sharing experience for users. Clients can easily request rides, keep track of updates, and confirm their trips through GPS or secure codes, promoting both transparency and security. Meanwhile, drivers can effortlessly accept trips, monitor rides, and receive automated reimbursements, which simplifies their participation.

3. Built-In Automation

Administrative burdens are a common pain point in transportation services. Community Ride addresses this issue by incorporating automatic notifications, trip verifications, and fraud-prevention measures, allowing agencies to focus on their core missions without getting bogged down in red tape.

4. Versatile Program Adaptability

The platform is designed to accommodate a wide range of programs, including but not limited to Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), senior mobility initiatives, veterans' transportation, and mobile health integration. This versatility ensures that multiple community needs can be met seamlessly.

Community Ride has been created with the understanding that, especially in large states like Utah, fixed-route transit often doesn't meet the needs of residents in remote areas. Clint Wilkinson from UTA emphasizes this by saying, “Utah is a geographically large state with many rural areas where fixed-route transit isn't feasible. Community Ride allows agencies to close those gaps and ensure residents can access critical services like healthcare, work, and community activities.”

A Vision for the Future

Kinetech, notable for leading in low-code, cloud-native digital transformation solutions, has developed Community Ride to fulfill the pressing need for enhanced transportation accessibility. With a track record that includes serving over a million clients, Kinetech is dedicated to empowering state and local governments to navigate the complexities of modern operations with agility and security.

Through this new initiative, Community Ride not only reflects Kinetech's commitment to digital innovation but also marks a significant step forward in driving inclusive transportation solutions for the communities that need them the most. This platform could potentially revolutionize the way rural transportation is facilitated, offering an opportunity for more people to access vital services and remain connected to their communities.

To explore Community Ride in action, visit CTAA EXPO 2025 at Booth #625 or check out their website at www.communityride.com.