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The Town of Addison launched a six-month trial of a new on-demand transit service designed to move riders around town and connect them to regional rail.
The Branch Herald rode the service twice during its first week to give readers a firsthand look at how it works.
A partnership between the town and Via Transportation, Addison Orbit is a shared, on-demand ride service, which may pick up multiple passengers along a route. Riders book trips through the Addison Orbit app or by calling 469-214-0940.
The service connects to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) at seven designated hubs referred to by city officials as “rally points.” At these locations, riders transferring between DART and Addison Orbit do not pay an additional fare for the local service, which one council member described as “complimentary.”
The town funds the service, and fares are charged per rider, with all revenue returning to Addison.
Addison City Council Member Randy Smith, who has been outspoken about his opposition to DART membership, said the service could function as well as a replacement to DART within the city.
“Addison will just be providing a free ride to connect with DART,” Smith said.
Smith rode during the soft opening on April 22 and said the system represents a practical solution already used elsewhere.
“Addison did not reinvent the wheel,” he said. “We have contracted a transportation expert.”
The name “Addison Orbit” was developed collaboratively between Via and the town’s marketing team, led by Mary Rosenbleeth, director of marketing and tourism.
“It took a day or two to grow on me,” Smith said. “I like that we came up with something kind of original.”
Early riders reported both convenience and a learning curve. Dallas resident Manny Renn, who traveled from Addison Circle to the Downtown Carrollton Station rally point, described the experience positively.
“It was quick. It was great,” he said, noting that using the app required some initial adjustment.
Smith echoed that sentiment, cautioning users to be precise when selecting pickup locations. He rode the service on April 22 alongside a Branch Herald reporter.
“I learned a lesson. Don’t try to be lazy and do it [schedule a ride] from inside the car,” he said, after attempting to book a second ride before exiting his first.
Addison Mayor Bruce Arfsten said on Friday, April 24 that he has used the service daily since its launch and described mixed early results. He cited occasional delays tied to routing and navigation challenges within the app.
In one instance, a driver took several minutes to navigate a nearby turn despite being close to the pickup point.
“It took her about eight minutes to pick me up even though she was probably across the parking lot,” Arfsten said.
He said both riders and drivers are adjusting to new technology, including mapping tools that differ from other ride-share platforms.
“I’m willing to give grace,” Arfsten said, but suggested riders use business names and not just addresses for locations such as Village on the Parkway.
Despite the early issues, Arfsten said the concept addresses a long-standing transit gap.
“Even though I want us to stay in DART … I see what they are doing for local transit, and it fixes that first mile, last mile problem,” he said.
Connectivity between the two systems remains a concern. Riders must currently manage both the DART and Orbit apps, making timing transfers more complex.
“You have to work both apps right now,” Arfsten said. “I don’t know when to order the ride.”
He described the process as “clunky” and said improvements will be necessary to increase usability.
“The system’s got to get better to increase that rideability,” he said.
The rollout comes as Addison voters prepare to decide the city’s future with DART. On May 2, residents will vote on whether the town will remain a member city of the regional transit system or exit the agency.
Smith said the service is open to anyone, not just Addison residents, but he’s personally looking forward to a simpler reason to use it: “I’m excited for me and my wife for going to dinner in Addison and not having to worry about traffic and parking,” he said.
More information about the service, including how to download the app and request a ride, is available at Addison Orbit’s official website: https://city.ridewithvia.com/addison.
The Branch Herald has previously covered the Orbit fare approval and council discussions. Read those stories here and here.
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