Mobile, Via using technology to improve bus reliability without increasing costs

Feb 24th, 2026

Posted in: Press Release

Mobile, Ala. — In just 90 days, Mobile’s bus system has gone from canceling roughly 20% of scheduled routes to nearly zero missed runs — all without increasing the City’s transit budget.

Since Via took over the operations of Mobile’s public transit system on October 1, 2025, local bus service has become more dependable and more efficient. Behind the scenes, Via introduced its software platform to streamline daily operations and improve performance across the system.

Early improvements include: 

• Fully staffed workforce: A robust hiring and training program has eliminated a driver shortage that previously caused canceled routes and unnecessary overtime.
• Improved reliability: Previously, about 20% of the Wave Transit System’s scheduled buses did not run as planned, leaving many residents without a dependable way to travel. With Via managing operations, that figure is now approaching zero.
• Financial responsibility: Transit spending review and approval processes have been strengthened, improving service quality while keeping the budget flat.
• Faster trip management: Via’s software has reduced the time dispatchers spend scheduling trips by 75%, allowing staff to focus more on assisting riders and keeping buses on time.

These improvements mark the first phase of rebuilding rider trust and delivering on the City of Mobile and Via’s broader “Transit Future” vision.

The next phase will introduce a comprehensive network redesign informed by data analysis, professional research, and community input. In March, Via will launch a public survey inviting residents to help select new branding for Mobile’s transit network.

“Reimagining Mobile’s public transit system has been a top priority for me, and the improvements Via has already made show what’s possible when we combine better technology with smarter operations,” Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said. “I’m excited to continue this partnership as we build a modern, rider-focused transit system that works for all Mobilians.”

Via brings more than a decade of experience helping cities and transit agencies around the world modernize public transportation systems to be more efficient, rider-centric, and data-driven through smart operations and technology.

“As strong stewards of public funds, our priority is ensuring Mobile’s transit system delivers reliable, data-driven, and rider-centric transit service while maximizing every dollar invested,” said Alex Lavoie, co-Chief Operating Officer at Via. “We’re proud of the operational progress already underway and look forward to continuing to build a system that residents can depend on.”

About Via

Via is the technology backbone of a modern transportation network. The company transforms public transportation systems into dynamic, data-driven networks based on demand. Cities and transit agencies around the world adopt Via’s suite of software and technology-enabled services to replace fragmented legacy systems and consolidate operations.

As a result, Via lowers the cost of providing transit, improves the passenger experience, and increases ridership. Today, the Via platform is utilized by hundreds of cities across more than 30 countries to create public transportation systems that connect people with jobs, healthcare, and education.