Ride service in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, set to debut on Tuesday.
New Microtransit Service Debuts in Eau Claire
Eau Claire is excited to announce the launch of its new public microtransit service, 'Northern Lite', on July 22, 2025. This on-demand, curb-to-curb transportation option is designed to make public transit more accessible for residents who have never utilized the system before.
What is 'Northern Lite'?
'Northern Lite' is a city-run microtransit service, operated and managed by Via Transportation. The name 'Northern Lite' was chosen about a month ago, with 'Northern' referring to the pilot program's location and 'Lite' referring to the smaller vehicles compared to fixed routes.
Service Details
- Service Type: On-demand microtransit
- Service Area: The exact boundaries or zones are not specified, but 'Northern Lite' is intended to serve various parts of Eau Claire with flexible routing rather than fixed-route transit.
- Booking: Rides can be booked using the Northern Lite by EC Transit app or by calling 1-715-202-6757.
- Cost: The cost of a ride on the 'Northern Lite' service is $1.75. A day pass for unlimited rides on both the bus and microtransit costs $3.75.
- Accessibility: Riders with mobility issues can request door-to-door service and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
- Shared Trips: 'Northern Lite' offers shared trips to help keep costs low.
- Pickup and Dropoff Locations: Riders are directed to pick up and drop off locations to minimize detours and keep trips running smoothly.
Schedule
'Northern Lite' operates from 6:45 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. However, specific hours of operation or frequency are not provided in the available information.
Future of 'Northern Lite'
The 'Northern Lite' service is a one-year pilot program. The city will have to decide if they decide to find funding to extend the service beyond its one-year pilot program.
For those looking to use 'Northern Lite' to travel outside the service area, bus routes are still available. However, free transfers from the 'Northern Lite' service to buses are not currently offered.
The day pass is worthwhile for those who take three or more rides in a day. For more detailed information, such as operating hours, fare structure, service area maps, and booking instructions, we recommend visiting the City of Eau Claire's official website or local transit authority.
Eau Claire Transit Manager Katrina Running hopes the new service will introduce people who've never utilized the public transit system in Eau Claire to try it out. With 'Northern Lite', commuting in Eau Claire just got a little easier and more accessible.
- The microtransit industry is expanding with the introduction of 'Northern Lite', a city-run service in Eau Claire, operated by Via Transportation.
- Eau Claire residents now have another option for transportation as 'Northern Lite', a microtransit service, provides on-demand, curb-to-curb rides for a lower cost than traditional bus routes.
- For those interested in ecological lifestyle choices, 'Northern Lite' offers shared trips to help keep costs low and minimize environmental impact.
- As home-and-garden enthusiasts continue to prioritize sustainability, the finance sector might consider investing in microtransit services like 'Northern Lite' as they become more popular and efficient alternatives to traditional public transportation.
