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 Conversely, cutting routes or relying on inflexible, outdated vehiclescan lead to a decline in use — not because people don't need transit, but because the service no longer meets their needs.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 smarter routing creates demand— and that’s exactly what transit agencies need 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 on personal vehicles make traditional fixed-route transit inefficient and costly. As a result, large buses often run well below capacity, incur high operating costs, and fail to provide the frequency or flexibility 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 notes on its website:
“Our eJEST electric microtransit vehicles are ADA accessible, accommodate up to one wheelchair, and can carry up to two bicycles (under 55 pounds) 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 greater convenience and coverage for riders, all while staying cost-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. Do 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 start using 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 problem of current transit systems, like stated 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 the infrastructure development to increase transit ridership and also to get people's attention. And build loyalty to the brand of the transit". - stated Steve.

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What problems do cities like Santa Maria experience?

✅ Low Density, Lower Ridership Potential
Sprawling neighborhoods with fewer people per square kilometer mean it’s harder to fill full-size buses. Transit service in these areas needs to be more nimble and cost-effective.

✅ Longer Travel Distances
Suburban life often involves commutes between homes, workplaces, schools, and commercial areas — all of which can be spread out and disconnected. Walking or biking isn’t always feasible, especially in extreme weather or for those with mobility challenges.

✅ Car-Centric Infrastructure
Because conventional transit often doesn’t meet their needs, many suburban residents rely on cars. This increases traffic, emissions, and leaves behind those who can’t drive — including seniors, youth, and those with disabilities.

✅ Urban Connectivity Requirements
Suburban residents still need to reach urban centers for jobs, healthcare, and education. First- and last-mile solutions are key to bridging this gap and making regional transit more accessible.

✅ The Equity Imperative
Transit isn’t just about movement — it’s about access. Right-sized, inclusive transportation ensures everyone, regardless of age or ability, can reach opportunities and participate fully in community life.

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Frequency matters. Data consistently shows that when transit becomes more available and convenient, ridership increases. This effect—known as induced demand—demonstrates that people are more likely to choose public transit when it aligns with their schedules and needs. Bloomberg stated:

“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.”

Traditional fixed-route transit systems often struggle to provide frequent and flexible service in these settings, leading to underutilized large buses and higher operational costs.

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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 and shuttle services, but they come with limitations that make them less suitable for long-term, high-demand transit operations. Their drawbacks 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

In contrast, the Karsan eJEST is purpose-built as a transit vehicle—engineered from the ground up for durability, comfort, and accessibility.

• 🔽 True Low-Floor Design – Features a ramp and kneeling system for easy, dignified boarding
• 🛞 Independent Suspension – Offers a smoother, quieter ride
• ⚡ Fully Electric – Emissions-free with fast-charging capability
• 🛠️ Long-Term Value – Designed for a 12+ year service life, doubling that of most cutaways

The eJEST isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a smarter, longer-lasting investment for agencies seeking to modernize their fleets while enhancing the 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 create long-term, high-performance fleets that reflect their community’s needs.

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📩 Want to explore how the eJEST fits your network?
Let’s talk about scheduling a pilot, understanding cost of ownership, or integrating 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.