Public-Private Partnerships at Work: Community Partners Join Forces to Build Innovative Mobility in West Palm Beach
In 2021, the WPB Downtown Development Authority (DDA) joined forces with Circuit to provide an 100% electric on-demand service in West Palm Beach, Florida. This innovative public private partnership aims to connect residents and visitors alike to downtown and the rest of the city in a fun, affordable, and eco-friendly way. With the collaboration of 7 key community stakeholders, service has expanded year after year and has become an integral part of West Palm Beach’s transit mix.
Each month, Circuit provides over 15,000 all-electric rides in West Palm Beach while saving more than 70 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
West Palm Beach by the Numbers
Growing Capacity with New Stakeholders
Circuit’s mission is to connect people with their communities through innovative transportation solutions, closing the first and last-mile gap within existing infrastructure, and removing polluting single-occupancy vehicles from city roads.
The 2021 launch of the West Palm Beach DDA service saw groundbreaking success in its downtown connections. Riders request a pick up on the Circuit app or wave down a passing Circuit shuttle to hop on to be whisked anywhere in the geofenced coverage area for little to no cost. This service also connects riders to the West Palm Beach Brightline station as part of the Brightline+ program.
The City of West Palm Beach joined the partnership to "improve mobility equity for all residents of West Palm Beach". The RideWPB program expanded the service area northwards, added more vehicles to the service, and revitalized an existing trolley program. Circuit has unified fixed-route and on-demand services to provide the most efficient operation and optimal rider experience.
The Ben Hotel partnered with Circuit in late 2021 to bring a dedicated amenity private shuttle service (nicknamed "Bruno") to its guests. The Hilton West Palm Beach followed suit in 2023, and now both public and dedicated shuttles are zooming through the city. With these private services, the public service is freed up to serve more riders at no extra cost to the City.
Today, Circuit works with a total of 7 partners – City of West Palm Beach and the WPB Downtown Development Authority (DDA), Brightline, Discover the Palm Beaches, the Hilton Hotel, The Ben Hotel, and Parkline Apartments – to operate its 16 vehicle fleet throughout the city. Circuit is part of WPBGo, a local mobility coalition, which works to connect different mobility options. Circuit also partners with local and national brands to advertise on the fleet, bringing in more funding for the program.
Circuit is constantly engaging with community players for opportunities to expand its mission and improve service for riders. In 2023, fares were added to a portion of the service area to reduce wait times and improve service efficiency across the city. Even with a fare, rides are never more than $4 for single riders or $8 for groups.
Circuit's West Palm Beach Partners
Making an Impact that Matters
These public and private funders have made it possible for Circuit to directly create 42 local jobs and generate an estimated $600,000 of monthly economic impact in West Palm Beach.
A ride with Circuit is more than just an easy way to get around, it’s an experience. Circuit hires passionate employee drivers directly from West Palm Beach to support the community and also for their expert local knowledge.
"Did so much more than just drive. She [driver] introduced us to the city."
—West Palm Beach Rider
The on-demand service’s high ridership reflects the riders’ average rating of 4.9/5. Additionally. 93% of riders surveyed say that Circuit is a great addition to their neighborhood, and 94% would like to see even more cars.
Engaging a diverse set of community stakeholders allows Circuit to expand its positive impact on the communities it serves. Whether it be hotel amenities or access to essential services, public transit infrastructure, and employment, Circuit puts people first.
Interested in transforming your community through innovative transportation solutions? Reach out to the Circuit team today.
