Sioux Area Metro's on-demand service now available citywide

Sioux Area Metro's SAM On Demand service is now available citywide, one of several changes coming to the city's bus system under new transit provider Via.

As of Monday, SAM On Demand will be in operation from 5:45 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Monday-Friday, and from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Saturdays, with extended hours expected to be announced in September, according to a press release.

The service will use a fleet of shared vans that will bring riders either directly to their destination or to a connecting city bus.

Rides cost $1.50, with children younger than age 5 riding free and children younger than age 18 riding free with a school ID or SAM Freedom Pass.

More: Sioux Falls' bus system is getting an overhaul this fall: What to know

Users can book rides through the SAM Transit app on smartphones, use the service's website or call 605-367-7151.

The Sioux Falls City Council approved a wave of modifications to the city's bus system earlier this year through Via, which was required to institute SAM On Demand citywide by Aug. 30.

Next on the list will be the implementation of the city's new fixed routes for buses, which must be in place by Sept. 30.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Area Metro's on-demand service now available citywide