Private van service promises to plug DC public transit holes

Some parts of Upper Northwest are ill-served by public transportation. Either there is none nearby, or the service is so infrequent and unreliable it’s nearly useless.

A company called Bridj thinks it can help bridge those gaps. Founded and now operating in Boston, Bridj has set its sights on a DC expansion.

The company plots its Boston-area routes based on data and demand. Residents can request service in their neighborhoods, and if there’s already a stop nearby, users can reserve and pay for rides via smartphone app. Bridj says the fares cost more than public transit but less than a taxi. Trips in Boston cost $3 to $5.

Do you think Bridj might help complete your transportation puzzle? Plug in your commute here and encourage your neighbors to do the same.