Introducing Link On-Demand with 
Bay Area Transportation Authority has launched Link On-Demand, a ride-hailing service like UBER or Lyft, which delivers rides as they are requested in Traverse City. Link On-Demand acts as an on-demand public transportation option for Traverse City, replacing BATA's City Link dial-a-ride service in the Traverse City area. Link On-Demand fares are $6.00 full fare and $3.00 for reduced fare.
There are several different ways to request Link On-Demand rides, including:
- Mobile app (TransLoc):
- Online scheduling
- A phone call to BATA Customer Service at 231.941.2324
Local transportation can be requested either in real-time or up to one day in advance. Additional Link On-Demand details can be found in the FAQ area below.
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FAQ—Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours of operation for Link On-Demand?
Sunday–Friday: 6 a.m.–10:30 p.m. (last pickup at 10 p.m.)
Saturday: 6 a.m.–11:30 p.m. (last pickup at 11 p.m.)
NOTE: The busiest times of day are usually 8 - 10 a.m. and 2 - 5 p.m.
How can I request a Link On-Demand ride?
The most efficient way to request a Link On-Demand ride is through the TransLoc mobile app. Passengers will first need to download the free TransLoc app to their smartphone through the Apple or Google Play app stores, create an account, and then request a ride. Rides can be requested in real-time or up to a day in advance.
Following a Link On-Demand request, the app will provide passengers with an estimated pick-up time, track their bus in real-time, and alert them when their ride is about to arrive. Passengers will also be notified when their ride is about to reach their desired destination. Link On-Demand customers will also be able to request same-day or advanced rides by calling BATA Customer Service at 231.941.2324 or by going online to login.transloc.com.
How do you download the TransLoc app?
Passengers are able to download the TransLoc app for free by clicking here or by visiting the Apple or Google Play app stores.
How much does a Link On-Demand ride cost?
The cost of a ride is only $6.00 per one-way trip or $3.00 for reduced-fare eligible persons (students, seniors, persons with disabilities, and veterans or active military). Payment options include cash, pre-paid ticket, or credit/debit cards through the mobile app.
How do you pay for a Link On-demand ride?
Payment options include cash, pre-paid ticket, or credit/debit cards through the mobile app.
Pay for your ride with your phone with the Journey App.
Fares in your Passage App will be accepted until Wednesday, January 4th. Please visit Hall Street or Cass Road Transfer Stations before then for any Passage-to-fare card requests.
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How long will you have to wait for a Link On-Demand ride?
Wait times are subject to vehicle availability and demand and are estimated to be 30 minutes or less.
NOTE: The busiest times of day are usually 8 - 10 a.m. and 2 - 5 p.m. when wait times can exceed an hour.
Can you schedule a Link On-Demand ride in advance?
Riders are encouraged to request rides in real-time when they need them, but riders can book up to a day in advance.
Will TransLoc deny a Link On-Demand ride request?
No – Link On-Demand riders will no longer be told rides aren’t available during operating hours. The TransLoc software will update pickup times as requested. Wait times are subject to vehicle availability and demand and are estimated to be 30 minutes or less during non-peak periods.
What if the rider doesn’t have a smartphone, computer or has trouble using new technology, how will they request a Link On-Demand ride?
Riders will get the most benefit out of using the TransLoc mobile app to request rides, but rides can still be requested by calling BATA Customer Service at 231.941.2324.
How does a rider know if a requested delivery location is within the Traverse City Link On-Demand service area?
Riders can see the Link On-Demand service area using the mobile app, going online or with the map below. The Link On-Demand service area is very similar to the previous City Link service area – excluding the central and northern part of Old Mission Peninsula.
NOTE: The Link On-Demand service area may vary slightly from what's pictured below—check the TransLoc app or website for an exact service area.
Can Link On-Demand be used to request rides outside of the Traverse City service area?
Not currently. Link On-Demand service is currently only offered in and around Traverse City. BATA is hoping to expand this local transportation service around Grand Traverse and Leelelanu Counties in the spring of 2023, depending on funding and staffing.
Can transfer tickets be used for a Link On-Demand ride?
Yes – but an upcharge may be incurred depending on the previous service used. A Link ride can transfer to any of BATA's fixed routes or even another Link ride if applicable.
Does Link On-Demand accommodate wheelchairs and walkers?
Yes – all Link On-Demand vehicles incorporate an accessible lift for mobility devices.
How does the driver know a ride has been requested?
Rides are delivered to the driver in real-time through an onboard tablet.
What if a passenger has the same reoccurring schedule or ride request? Do they need to book the same ride daily?
No – if a passenger has a consistent ride request they need on a regular basis it can be locked in through a Long Term Subscription re-occurring ride by calling BATA Customer Service at 231.941.2324.
Are any other BATA services changing with the addition of Link On-Demand?
No—Village Link service remains in place taking advanced reservations for rides outside of the Traverse City service area and in Leelanau and greater Grand Traverse Counties. BATA’s fixed-route Loop and Bayline services and schedules will not be impacted.
Why did BATA transition to Link On-Demand?
Customers have been asking for an easy and innovative technology solution to request public transit rides. Mobility options are advancing around the world, and passengers want to request rides in real-time and have options outside of placing a traditional dial-a-ride phone call to schedule them. Link On-Demand will allow riders to schedule a ride in Travere City online when and where they need it. The Link-On-Demand pilot should increase ride availability for customers and make it easier for them to request transportation. BATA is also expecting to see continued operational efficiencies with Link On-Demand such as more rides delivered per hour, better utilization of bus and driver resources, fewer last-minute ride cancelations that open rides for more people, and fewer people not showing up for rides that were previously scheduled. BATA also received state and federal funding to pilot on-demand transportation in our region to determine its viability in everyday use and towards non-emergency medical transportation.
Updated: 08.22.22
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