VALDOSTA — Valdosta On-Demand, in partnership with its TransitTech provider Via, announces that as of July 1, it will exclusively offer on-demand rides for Valdosta residents.

In a press release this week, the City of Valdosta said eliminating pre-booked rides will increase the number of rides available when people need them.

The city said the city council had endorsed the change with the aim of enhancing efficiency.

Service hours, booking methods (by app or phone), and service zone will remain unchanged, and the city said that would ensure a seamless transition for users.

The city listed the benefits of the new procedure:

— More rides for more people. When vehicles are not reserved for pre-booked rides, there will be more vans available for riders in real-time.

— Reduced wait time. Switching to on-demand only booking means the Valdosta On-Demand service can operate more efficiently, leading to shorter wait times.

— Easier ride management. Riders will no longer need to follow pre-set pickup windows or to contact customer support if plans change. Riders can book a ride when and where they need to go in an efficient way that eliminates extra steps.

Valdosta On-Demand will continue to offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles for all riders need one, the city said.

“We are thrilled to implement this new on-demand only model,” said City Manager Richard Hardy. “This change underscores our dedication to enhancing mobility in Valdosta and ensuring that our services evolve to meet the growing demands of our community.”