BC Transit has launched new technology from Vancouver-based Spare to modernise handyDART services in Chilliwack and Central Fraser Valley, the first of 28 communities across British Columbia to transition to the digital system. The platform enables riders to book, modify or cancel trips through a mobile app or website, with real-time vehicle tracking and estimated arrival times. The traditional phone booking line remains available. "For riders who depend on these services every day — to get to medical appointments, to work, to see family — an accessible booking experience matters," said Kristoffer Vik Hansen, chief executive officer and co-founder of Spare. The system includes digital registration for new riders and caregiver access for family members managing bookings on behalf of users.

Spare, an AI-native transit operations platform, has launched Spare Fixed Route, expanding its unified platform to manage fixed route, paratransit, microtransit and asset management operations in a single system. The Vancouver-based company aims to replace disconnected legacy tools with an integrated solution. The platform enables agencies to plan routes, build schedules, monitor live service and publish GTFS data through one interface. Transit teams can coordinate multiple service types, create detours during disruptions and generate real-time feeds for rider-facing apps from a unified source. Spare serves hundreds of transit agencies including LA Metro, DART, PSTA, MBTA and AC Transit/BART. CEO Kristoffer Vik Hansen said the expansion helps agencies optimise networks by connecting planning, operations and rider information across service types, reducing operational complexity.