West Palm Beach DDA Implements Changes To Circuit Downtown Rideshare Program
October 31st, 2023
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 31, 2023) – In order to keep up with record demand and provide a reliable, high-quality customer experience, the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority (DDA) today announced changes to its sponsorship of the Circuit rideshare program. Beginning Nov. 6, 2023, any Circuit ride booked within the Ride Circuit app and initiating or terminating outside the borders of the City of West Palm Beach will incur a fee of $4.00 plus $1.00 for each additional passenger. Revenue from fees will be reinvested back into the program.
“The rideshare service has been incredibly popular in moving people in and around downtown, and that popularity has brought longer wait times for passengers,” said Raphael Clemente, executive director of the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority. “Adding these low fees will help us improve the reliability that riders have come to expect from this service.”
The DDA’s sponsorship of the rideshare program was launched in October 2021, and the response has been tremendous. The Circuit program has completed over 250,000 trips, with its highest ridership ever in September 2023, with 19,111 passengers. This is a 176% increase in ridership over September 2022. In addition to the increased ridership, the service has created over 25 local jobs and helps reduce approximately 15 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each month.
Rides can be scheduled through the Ride Circuit app available at ridecircuit.com. The service is available 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.
The Circuit shuttle uses 100-percent electric vehicles, promoting better air quality while offering a first-mile/last-mile transportation option that is convenient, easy to use, and reduces congestion. Gratuities for Circuit drivers are appreciated but never required.
The Circuit rideshare program is just one of the many DDA initiatives aimed at improving downtown life and supporting downtown businesses. Other programs include the Downtown Clean Team, the Security Ambassadors, a homeless outreach program, and marketing and public relations support.
About the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority
The West Palm Beach DDA is an independent taxing district created in 1967 by a special act of the Florida Legislature. Its mission is to promote and enhance a safe, vibrant Downtown for our residents, businesses and visitors through the strategic development of economic, social and cultural opportunities. For more information about the DDA or Downtown West Palm Beach, please visit DowntownWPB.com or call the DDA at (561) 833-8873.