When cities provide more convenient, frequent, and comfortable transit options, especially in underserved suburban areas, ridership naturally increases.Conversely, cutting routes or relying on inflexible, outdated vehicles can lead to a decline in use — not because people don't need transit, but because the service no longer meets their needs.

Investing in better, right-sized vehicles and smarterrouting creates demand— and that’s exactly what transit agenciesneed to justify expansion and long-term funding.

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Common Transit Problems

Suburban areas across North America are expanding rapidly, but many legacy transit systems haven’t adapted to this new reality. Low population density, scattered destinations, and heavy reliance onpersonal vehicles make traditional fixed-route transit inefficientand costly. As a result, large buses often run well below capacity, incur high operating costs, and fail to provide the frequency orflexibility that modern riders expect.

To meet evolving needs, cities must reimagine how they deliver transit—prioritizing adaptable service models, right-sized vehicles, and equitable access. Purpose-built solutions like the all-electric Karsan eJEST offer a smart alternative, enabling agencies to modernize their fleets for real-world suburban environments.

As an example, Santa Maria Transit team notes on SMRT website:
“Our eJEST electric microtransit vehicles are ADA accessible, accommodate up to one wheelchair, and can carry up to two bicycles (under 55pounds) on a first-come, first-served basis. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.”

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Unlocking Frequency and Coverage

In 2022, www.cityofsantamaria.org reported improvements to the city’s fixed-route network, with buses operating at a more consistent 45-minute frequency. Building on this momentum, Santa Maria Transit began operating 14 Karsan eJEST electric minibuses in 2023.

As noted by transit advocate Road Guy Rob, the eJEST gives cities the flexibility to expand service without breaking the budget. With a significantly lower purchase price compared to traditional 40-foot buses, transit agencies can afford to acquire more vehicles and increase service frequency—delivering greaterconvenience and coverage for riders, all while stayingcost-effective. He stated:

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"Buying a new bus can cost half of a million dollars or more. It limits the number of buses rolling around the city... The price of the bus is less than half of the cost of buying a big city bus. So it's kind of a 2 for 1 deal, right?"

"So you start putting fleets of these in the hands of big city transit networks where they may be running hundreds of these and things might really start to change".

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Indeed, if large urban transit agencies begin deploying fleets of smaller, versatile vehicles like the eJEST, potentially numbering in the hundreds, it could significantly transform public transportation.

Here’s why:

• Scalability: With a lower purchase and operating cost than full-size buses, agencies can afford more vehicles—leading to more frequent service.
• Coverage: Smaller buses can reach neighborhoods and streets that large buses can’t, improving accessibility.
• Flexibility: They can be used for various purposes—fixed routes, on-demand service, or shuttles—helping agencies respond to real-time demand.
• Efficiency: More buses on the road, properly routed, can reduce wait times and make transit a more attractive alternative to driving.

In short: If big city transit networks startusing these vehicles at scale, it could lead to better service, higher ridership, and a more adaptive and inclusive transit system overall.

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Suburban Transit Challenges

Innovation is one of the challenges facing current transit systems. As stated by Steve Wanderlust on his YouTube channel, "People want convenience, they want dependability, but they want something useful for their lives." Microtransit uses smaller vehicles to provide flexible, demand-responsive transportation—getting people where they need to go without the complexity of traditional bus routes.

For individuals unfamiliar with public transit, navigating a bus system can be intimidating. However, as traffic congestion worsens and urban mobility becomes more strained, microtransit is emerging as an appealing alternative—offering convenience, reduced travel time, and a user-friendly experience.

"All we need is a new vehicle that could solve the issues of infrastructure development, increase transit ridership, and get people's attention—building loyalty to the brand of the transit," Steve added.

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Transit Challenges in Cities Like Santa Maria

Cities like Santa Maria are grappling with a unique set of challenges when it comes to delivering effective, equitable public transit. These suburban and low-density environments demand smarter, more adaptable mobility solutions. Here’s why:

✅ Low Density, Lower Ridership Potential
Sprawling neighborhoods with fewer residents per square kilometer make it difficult to justify the use of full-size buses. These large vehicles often run under capacity, making transit operations both inefficient and expensive. In such areas, right-sized, cost-effective alternatives are essential.

✅ Longer Travel Distances
In suburban life, key destinations—homes, workplaces, schools, shopping centers—are often widely spaced. This makes walking or biking impractical, especially in extreme weather or for people with limited mobility. Transit solutions need to bridge these distances effectively.

✅ Car-Centric Infrastructure
Due to inconsistent or insufficient public transit options, many residents rely heavily on personal vehicles. This increases congestion and emissions, while excluding those who cannot drive—like seniors, youth, or individuals with disabilities—from reliable mobility options.

✅ Urban Connectivity Requirements
Many suburban residents still depend on access to urban centers for work, healthcare, or education. Without reliable first- and last-mile options to connect them to regional transit hubs, these critical journeys can become difficult or impossible.

✅ The Equity Imperative
Transit isn't just about moving people—it's about providing access. Inclusive, right-sized transportation ensures everyone, regardless of age or ability, can participate fully in community life.

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Why Frequency Matters

Data consistently shows that greater frequency and convenience lead to increased ridership—a phenomenon known as induced demand. When transit service aligns with people’s real needs, they’re more likely to use it.

As Bloomberg recently reported:

“The phenomenon of induced demand is as real for transit as it is for highways: If you provide a more attractive service, more people will use it. If you cut service, riders will disappear.”
— Bloomberg, April 2025

Traditional fixed-route systems often lack the flexibility and frequency to succeed in suburban environments. As a result, large buses remain underutilized and costly to operate. Cities like Santa Maria are looking for smarter, more agile transit solutions—like on-demand services powered by electric minibuses—to better meet evolving rider expectations and community needs.

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Why the Karsan eJEST Improves Transit

The eJEST is redefining what’s possible with paratransit and microtransit. It addresses two key issues:

1. Smart Cost Efficiency

The eJEST delivers meaningful savings across capital, maintenance, and energy costs thanks to its compact, purpose-built design. Unlike retrofitted vans, the eJEST was engineered from the ground up as a transit vehicle. With its electric motor positioned under the driver’s seat and batteries beneath the floor, it offers a true low-floor design that maximizes interior space. Fully ADA-compliant, it ensures safe and easy boarding for all riders — especially those with mobility needs — and navigates narrow neighborhood streets with ease. Its flexibility allows it to serve both paratransit and fixed-route applications effectively.

2. Greater Staffing Flexibility

Driver shortages continue to challenge the transit industry, creating barriers to expanding service and maintaining reliability. The Karsan eJEST offers a practical solution: it can be operated without a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which simplifies hiring and training. Its intuitive controls and compact design make it easier to onboard a broader pool of drivers, helping agencies reduce staffing bottlenecks.

This benefit is especially relevant in light of operational realities. As noted on the SMRT website:

“Operator turnover was higher than forecasted and presented a minor challenge with additional service implementations.”

In such cases, the eJEST provides flexibility that can help agencies maintain service continuity even when driver availability is limited.

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Lessons from Santa Maria

Santa Maria is demonstrating how cities can build smarter, more responsive transit systems by combining community input with real mobility data. Its evolving microtransit service provides a flexible, on-demand, curb-to-curb option that residents can easily book using the SMRT Micro app. Designed to complement fixed-route services during off-peak hours, microtransit enhances accessibility for those in areas or timeframes where traditional routes may fall short.

As part of the current pilot program, microtransit operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM, with future expansions under consideration based on ridership demand. While weekend service is not yet available, the system continues to adapt based on community feedback.

In addition to microtransit, the city also utilizes Karsan eJEST vehicles as daytime shuttles. For example, the eJEST runs 15-minute loops seven days a week from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM, serving shopping centers and other key locations through designated stops.

This approach reflects a broader adaptive planning strategy — leveraging a single, versatile vehicle to fulfill multiple roles throughout the day. Thanks to its fast-charging and inductive charging capabilities, the eJEST can operate extended hours, making it ideal for both fixed-route and on-demand transit.

🕗 Daytime – Fixed-route shuttle service on regular loops, ideal for malls, community centers, and busy corridors.
🌙 Evening – On-demand microtransit offering curb-to-curb service during off-peak hours, easily booked through a mobile app.
“Running a baby bus at night is cheaper,” states Road Guy Rob.

By prioritizing flexibility and right-sized vehicles, Santa Maria is creating a scalable model that addresses real-world suburban transit challenges — helping agencies do more with less while meeting a wider range of mobility needs.

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Why Cutaways Fall Short

Cutaway buses have been a common choice for paratransit andshuttle services, but they come with limitations that make them lesssuitable for long-term, high-demand transit operations. Theirdrawbacks include:

• Have shorter lifespans (7 years or less)
• Are built on commercial van frames not meant for high-duty service
• Provide rougher rides and lower comfort
• Rely on lifts or stairs instead of low-floor access

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Purpose-built for public transit, the Karsan eJEST overcomes these limitations by combining modern design, accessibility, and long-term durability in one compact, fully electric vehicle.

• • 🔽 True Low-Floor Design – Built-in ramp and kneeling system allow fast, dignified boarding for all passengers
  • 🛞 Independent Suspension – Delivers a smoother, quieter ride — improving comfort and reducing fatigue
  • ⚡ Fully Electric – Zero-emission vehicle with fast-charging capability
  • 🛠️ 12+ Year Lifecycle – Engineered for longevity, doubling the lifespan of most cutaway alternatives

The eJEST isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a smarter, longer-lasting investment for transit agencies looking to modernize their fleets, enhance service reliability, and provide a better rider experience.

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Flexible Deployment: Fixed Routes, On-Demand, and More

The eJEST can be used in a variety of transit settings:

• 🚍 Neighborhood circulator routes
• 🏙 First/last-mile shuttle to transit hubs
• 📱 Fully on-demand service via app
• 📍 Feeder vehicle for schools, commercial zones, and residential loops

Its compact size — just 6m long, 2,5 m with mirrors wide—allows it to navigate tight corners, dead-end streets, and narrow residential roads with ease. With a 19-passenger capacity, ADA-compliant ramp access, and electric performance, the eJEST delivers both accessibility and agility—proving that small vehicles can drive big impact.

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Transit Built Around People

Damera proudly partners with Karsan to bring the eJEST to agencies across North America. Our team understands that modern transit means more than just buying a vehicle — it means building systems that serve people. With full support, charging infrastructure planning, and driver and maintenance training, we help agencies createlong-term, high-performance fleets that reflect their community’sneeds.

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📩 Want to explore how the eJEST fits your network?
Let’s talk about scheduling a pilot, understanding cost of ownership, orintegrating on-demand mobility into your system.

Contact Damera Corporation:
📞905-696-8328
📧 sales@dameracorp.com

Let’s build more accessible, equitable, and efficient transit together.

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