A free, on-demand shuttle launches in town this week: Here's how it works

A free electric shuttle service is launching a 15-week pilot program in Onset on Wednesday, July 1, aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving transportation amid the area's busy summer tourism season. Here's how the shuttle service works:

To start, riders download the Ride Circuit app and create an account. Once the app is opened, it automatically directs users to the closest area that Circuit covers, according to Circuit representative Thandi Nyambose. For Wareham, the shuttles' coverage area includes Wareham Village, the Park and Ride off of Exit 3 and much of Onset. 

Wareham will have two shuttles that work on-demand. Riders enter their pickup and drop-off locations, which can be from anywhere in the coverage area, into the app. No payment information is required because Wareham's shuttle service is free, Nyambose said. She added that Circuit tries to keep its shuttle wait times under 10 minutes. 

Once onboard, Circuit's rides are pooled, meaning other riders may be picked up along the route. An algorithm determines the ride's route and pickups to "maximize efficiency." 

Of Wareham's two shuttles, one seats nine riders and the other fits up to five. One of the vehicles is an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant van and has space for a wheelchair. 

The shuttle will run Wednesdays through Sundays. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, the shuttle runs from noon to 9:30 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, the shuttle is available from noon to 10:30 p.m. 

At the end of the 15-week pilot, organizers will evaluate how many people are using the shuttles and how often they're being requested. Nyambose said that Circuit is looking for regular riders who keep coming back to use the shuttle. 

The pilot shuttle service program is funded by the Wareham Redevelopment Authority and from Onset residential parking fees, according to organizer Marie Greig.