Downtown STL, Inc. Launching Test of Last Mile Microtransit Service in Downtown

Downtown STL, Inc. is piloting a new on-demand transportation service for Downtown St. Louis starting February 13, 2018.

The eCab will use five-passenger electric vehicles providing point-to-point dynamic routing for quick and easy journeys to destinations within Downtown, addressing the last mile issue for city residents and visitors.

“Downtown is vital to our region and this service will allow people from everywhere to more easily experience all that Downtown has to offer,” said Mayor Lyda Krewson.

The pilot service will be available within the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (roughly the river to 18th Street and Cass to Highway 64) and is funded by the District. It will be free to users during the pilot period.

“Downtown St. Louis is well-connected to the rest of the region through highways and public transit. This new service will help peoplemove about Downtown without having to move their car.

For those who choose to leave their car at home, they can take public transit to get here then use the eCab to get around Downtown throughout the day,” said Missy Kelley, President & CEO of Downtown STL, Inc. “Working with our partners such as Bi-State Development (Metro), City of St. Louis, and Missouri Department of Transportation, the pilot will help us test technologies and build the future of transportation in Downtown,” said Kelley.

The pilot, which is operated in partnership with Austin-based Electric Cab of North America, is scheduled to run through June 30, 2017. “After Downtown STL, Inc. launched smart lighting in Downtown, it was a logical next step to build a transportation project that would further contribute to making St. Louis a truly Smart City. We are excited to scale our business to a city so willing to innovate,” said Kris Bailey, COO of Electric Cab of North America.

The service will debut with a Ribbon Cutting following the luncheon event, “The Last Mile,” hosted by Downtown STL, Inc. on Tuesday, February 13th at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Visit www.downtownstl.org to register for the event and www.downtownstl.org/connector to learn more about the eCab pilot program in Downtown St Louis.

Downtown STL, Inc. serves as the catalyst for creating and promoting a vibrant Downtown – a nationally celebrated asset that attracts investment and economic activity at the hub of our region.

Downtown STL, Inc. also manages the Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District (CID), which provides services to make Downtown St. Louis a more vibrant place to live, work, shop and play.
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