Plano’s new Via rides start May 4 for seniors, with Legacy West service still to come
Plano TX – A new Via microtransit service starts May 4 for riders 65 and older, with a free launch period, a $3 base fare later, and more transit changes ahead.
Plano’s next transit step starts with seniors
Plano is about to roll out a new curb-to-curb ride option for older residents, and the first service begins May 4. The city’s new Via program is designed for riders 65 and older who need a more flexible way to get around than fixed bus routes or a personal car.
For seniors, the practical change is simple: Plano is adding a demand-response trip option that can help with errands, medical appointments, and everyday travel inside the service area. That matters in a city where many trips are spread out across neighborhoods, shopping centers, and activity nodes that are not always easy to reach without a car.
How the new service works
According to the City of Plano and Community Impact’s report on the launch, the senior program uses Via microtransit and operates curb to curb. That means riders are picked up and dropped off within the designated zone rather than at a fixed stop. The service area is not limited to exact neighborhood borders; Plano says it includes a buffer around the zone, which gives some added flexibility for nearby homes and destinations.
The city is also planning a separate Via option for Legacy West, but that pilot does not yet have a firm start date. For now, residents in that area should treat it as a future rollout rather than an active service.
What riders will pay
Plano says the senior service will have a 30-day free launch period before regular fares begin. After that introductory month, the base fare will be $3.
That pricing puts the program in the range of a low-cost local trip option, especially for older adults who may otherwise rely on family members, ride-hailing apps, or limited transit connections. The city has not said the new service replaces existing options, and it should be viewed as a supplement to Plano’s broader transportation network.
Why this launch matters
The timing is important because Plano is still reshaping its transit approach as its relationship with DART changes. The city’s transit page shows Via as part of a broader effort to adjust service for local needs, especially where residents want more direct trip options than traditional bus service can offer.
For residents, the key questions now are whether their address falls inside the service area plus buffer, whether they qualify for the 65-and-older program, and how the booking process will work once the service opens. For businesses and families, the bigger picture is that Plano is testing a more targeted transit model while the city’s long-term system continues to evolve.
Legacy West riders and nearby residents should watch for a separate city update. For now, the clearest immediate change is the May 4 launch for older adults and the month of free rides that comes with it.
