Pierce Transit Launches Pilot With Miles App

Pierce Transit has announced that it is launching a two-month pilot with mobile app Miles in an effort to boost transit ridership, as well as reduce traffic congestion and single-occupant commuter trips.

Silicon Valley-based Miles, which launched last summer, tracks users’ movements and rewards “miles,” which can be redeemed for exclusive deals, services and experiences with more than 175 brands across categories. Environmentally-friendly types of transport such as public transit, biking or walking earn more miles than driving a car.

“At Miles, our vision is to reward daily movement with alternative or more sustainable forms of travel rewarded even further,” Miles CEO Jigar Shah said, according to Geek Wire. “Together with Pierce Transit, we’re excited to help incentivize greener travel and reach their goals to encourage ridership through local rewards and challenges.”

In honor of the launch, Pierce Transit is offering local market challenges through the app, where the first 300 users can receive a $5 Starbucks or Amazon gift card.

Other companies are finding ways to promote greener travel options. Earlier this year, Uber announced that it is launching its first integration with public transit. The rideshare giant has partnered with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) so that users in Denver can find real-time information and directions to local public transportation via the Uber app.

After a user enters their destination into the Uber app, “Transit” will appear next to other available transportation options in their city. Once Transit is chosen, users can view available transit routes, including real-time departure and arrival times, and walking directions to/from the transit stations. The company added that its riders will soon be able to purchase and use RTD tickets through the Uber app.

“Our customers want their trips to be as seamless as possible, and a collaboration like this one allows them to plan for travel from end to end, including additional first-mile and last-mile options,” David Genova, RTD CEO and general manager, said at the time. “RTD is pleased to work with Uber as we present riders with additional, complementary options to most efficiently reach their destination[s].”