| Contact |
Tara Gallagher
|
|---|
Vikings have a new, convenient way to get around town starting December 16. The City of Salem is launching Salem Skipper, a new ridesharing service for the entire city including the Salem State community. Riders book a trip from their phones and are picked up in minutes and brought to their destination.
Need to get to the MBTA station, Market Basket, or Cat Cove? Riders can hail a ride on their iPhone or Android device using the Salem Skipper app, or by calling 844.983.1842. Riders enter desired pickup/drop-off addresses to book a ride and then receive vehicle information and an estimated pickup time and location. Algorithms will enable multiple riders to seamlessly share the same vehicle, directing passengers to a nearby stop within a short walking distance for pick up and drop off, allowing for quick and efficient shared trips without lengthy detours.
Signing up for the app gives new riders 10 free trips until February 16. After that, rides are $2 for the general public and $1 for senior citizens, youth, and people with disabilities. The service will be available 7 am-7 pm, Monday through Friday and 10 am-6 pm on Saturdays. There will be four Salem Skipper vehicles in service, two Chrysler Pacificas and two wheelchair accessible Dodge Caravans.
As we battle Covid-19, rider and driver health and safety are a priority. All vehicles have plexiglass partitions, are capped at three passengers to ensure distancing, and are frequently sanitized by the drivers. Masks or face coverings worn over the nose and mouth are required. For more information, visit salemskipper.com.