Frisco residents are experiencing a boost in local mobility as the city’s on‑demand GoZone rideshare and the free Rail District Boxcar shuttle report higher usage, according to a City Council briefing reported by Community Impact. The increase comes at a time when officials are evaluating service‑area expansions and new technology to improve rider experience.
Since its launch on May 5, the GoZone program—partnered with the Denton County Transportation Authority—has completed 4,998 rides with 466 individual riders in Frisco as of Oct. 13. In October, the service averaged about 324 riders per week, reflecting a surge of roughly 218 weekly riders after a free‑ride promotion in August. The program also logged 801 passengers traveling to or from the Northwest Plano Park & Ride station since its Frisco debut.
Jason Brodigan, Frisco’s Director of Engineering Services, told council members that the GoZone service area has doubled since launch, now covering 72 % of Frisco residents. “That should really help us pick up the rides,” Brodigan said, adding that the system is operating under budget and expanding “smartly.” He noted that new GoZone riders can receive two free rides through the end of the year, and that the service runs Monday‑Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with fares ranging from $3 to $5 depending on distance.
The Rail District Boxcar shuttle, which began operating on 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 shuttle runs every 10 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and typically sees ridership in the 30s on weekends. On Oct. 23 the city introduced a revised route and schedule to better align service with downtown activity, and officials are testing a real‑time tracking feature that will let riders see the shuttle’s location along its route.
Both services are part of a 12‑month pilot that includes an ADA‑accessible electric shuttle and a five‑passenger minivan reserved for special events. City documents indicate the pilot may be extended if demand continues to grow.
What’s next: The City Council will review the expansion proposals and tracking technology at its next meeting on Nov. 3, with a decision on extending the pilot and potentially enlarging GoZone’s service zone expected later this month.
Sources: communityimpact.com
