Ford Provides 10 Transit Vans for Ride KC: Bridj Pilot Program
Ford, which is eager to stake its claim not just as an automaker but as a mobility company, will play a significant role in a new urban mobility pilot program taking place in Kansas City.
Ford will provide locally-built Transit vans for the Ride KC: Bridj program, the result of a collaboration between urban tech company Bridj and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. The intention of the program is to help support the city’s mass transit system by expanding access for residents.
“Today, we are bringing another transit option to the region with the introduction of microtransit,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president and CEO. “By combining the intelligence of Bridj technology with capable and flexible Ford Transit vehicles, we are creating a seamless and borderless transportation network for our residents that is easy to use, comfortable and affordable.”
The program is set to launch early next month, and it will include a mobile app through which drivers can request on-demand shuttle service. Ford’s contribution will be the 10 Ford Transit vans, built at Kansas City Assembly Plant, that will serve as the shuttles. It contribution to the program is another endeavor in Ford’s Smart Mobility Program.
“Our goal is to make people’s lives better by changing the way the world moves,” said Erica Klampfl, global mobility solutions manager, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering. “The Ford Smart Mobility plan supports our commitment to innovation, and is aimed specifically at developing smarter mobility services. We are excited that Ford Transit was selected for Ride KC: Bridj because this is one of many projects that will help us gain insights into what works and develop smarter, more connected mobility solutions and service-oriented products.”
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