TransLink Selects Vancouver-Based Spare to Modernize HandyDART Across Metro Vancouver

Spare, a leading transit technology company and provider of accessible mobility systems for public transit agencies, announced a new partnership with TransLink to modernize HandyDART, Metro Vancouver’s door-to-door accessible transit service, which provides over 1.2 million trips every year.

What’s Happening
- TransLink, Metro Vancouver’s regional transportation authority, has selected Spare, a transit technology company, to modernize HandyDART, its door-to-door accessible transit service.
- HandyDART provides over 1.2 million trips annually for residents unable to use conventional transit.

Key Upgrades
- Digital booking: Riders will be able to book trips online 24/7.
- Real-time tracking: “Where’s My Ride” feature to follow vehicle location.
- Service updates: Smartphone notifications for clearer communication.
- Operational dashboards: For TransLink to monitor performance, manage contracts, and proactively address issues.
- Dynamic scheduling & route optimization: Adapts to real-time conditions for efficiency.
- Digital eligibility workflows: Streamlined registration and administration.

Impact for Riders & Families
- Greater independence and confidence in managing trips.
- Reduced reliance on call centers.
- Improved transparency for caregivers and families.

Broader Strategy
- TransLink is combining traditional door-to-door service with on-demand and multimodal integration, creating a blueprint for other North American transit agencies.
- Spare’s platform consolidates fragmented legacy systems into a single, integrated operations system.
- This modernization aligns with TransLink’s Customer-First Plan, strengthening accessibility and reliability.

About Spare
- Vancouver-based, with deep roots in British Columbia.
- Works with agencies across Canada (e.g., Brampton Transit, Hamilton Street Railway, Saskatoon Transit, Winnipeg Transit).
- Provides scalable, AI-native technology for paratransit and multimodal operations.

This partnership is a major step in bringing HandyDART into the digital age, improving both rider experience and operational efficiency.