Manhattan Beach Launches On-Demand, Low-Cost Electric Transit: What To Know

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach's local transit system is riding to the future with a new electric shuttle service, that takes passengers on-demand to their individual destinations at low cost.

The city is inviting riders to take advantage of a new promotion to celebrate the debut.

Wave Rider, the new shuttle service, is adopting sustainable energy for transportation with electric power while bucking traditional transit routines that require fixed routes and schedules. Instead, it will take passengers on-demand to their individual destinations on a route that is updated as the shuttle picks up new passengers.

The City said the Wave Rider fleet includes two neighborhood electric vehicles for commercial districts west of Sepulveda Boulevard, two full sedans for city-wide coverage, and one wheelchair-accessible van.

Regular fares are $5 per person, per ride, and $2.50 for seniors 55 and older starting next month.

The Wave Rider service is currently offering three free rides until July 1 for riders who use promo code FREE15.

Wave Rider Schedule:

• Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Friday - Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

• Sunday: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The shuttle stays within the Manhattan Beach city limits except to pick up and drop off at the the Metro K Line Douglas Station in El Segundo.

The Wave Rider is currently in full service but only guaranteed for a limited time; the Manhattan Beach City Council approved the Wave Rider as a pilot project in partnership with Circuit Transit on April 7.

The program is funded by the county's Proposition A Local Return account, which uses tax revenues to support transit resources.

The city council will evaluate the pilot before it decides to extend, modify or end the program.

More about the Wave Rider can be found at ridecircuit.com.