At a Nov. 3 City Council meeting, Frisco officials highlighted a notable uptick in public‑transit usage and outlined plans to broaden service zones and add rider‑friendly technology. The discussion centered on two city‑run programs: the GoZone on‑demand rideshare and the Rail District Boxcar electric shuttle.
GoZone rideshare gains momentum
Since its launch on May 5 in partnership with Denton County Transportation Authority, GoZone has completed 4,998 rides for 466 individual riders as of Oct. 13. The program averaged about 324 rides per week in October, reflecting a surge of roughly 218 weekly rides after a free‑ride promotion in August. In total, 801 passengers have traveled to or from the Northwest Plano Park & Ride station since GoZone began serving Frisco.
Jason Brodigan, Frisco’s Director of Engineering Services, noted that the service area has doubled since the program’s inception. “That expanded area captures 72 % of Frisco residents … we feel like the system is working as intended; we’re running under budget and expanding smartly,” Brodigan said.
GoZone operates weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with fares ranging from $3 to $5 depending on distance. New riders can receive two complimentary rides through the end of the year.
Boxcar shuttle continues free weekend service
The Rail District Boxcar shuttle, launched June 6, provides a free electric shuttle along a 13‑stop loop between World Cup Way and North County Road via Main and Elm Streets. The vehicle runs every ten minutes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, averaging ridership in the 30s on weekends.
City documents show a revised route and schedule were introduced on Oct. 23 to better align service with downtown activity. Officials are also testing a real‑time tracking feature that will let riders see the shuttle’s location along its route.
Looking ahead
Both programs are slated to run as pilot projects for 12 months, with options to extend based on performance and community feedback. The council’s next steps include evaluating further zone expansions for GoZone and assessing the long‑term viability of the Boxcar shuttle’s free weekend model.
Frisco’s continued investment in flexible, accessible transit reflects the city’s commitment to smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and meeting the mobility needs of families and commuters alike.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Frisco — read the source article.
