Core Insights - Argo Corporation has launched its Smart Routing™ pilot service in Brampton, integrating with existing transit routes and the PRESTO fare system, providing an on-demand, fully electric service for residents [1][7][8] Group 1: Service Launch and Features - The Smart Routing™ service operates in downtown Brampton, allowing residents to use the Argo Transit app for on-demand transportation [1] - The service will run weekdays from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm as part of a 12-month pilot program, enhancing the existing Brampton Transit network [5] - Argo's system offers real-time connections to Brampton Transit and GO Transit, picking riders up near their doors in electric Argo X1 buses [5][6] Group 2: Impact and Integration - The partnership aims to increase transit ridership and improve service integration, as evidenced by previous success in Bradford West Gwillimbury, where average daily ridership more than doubled and monthly connections to Bradford GO Station increased by 5.5 times [6] - The agreement with Metrolinx allows for the installation of PRESTO fare collection devices on Argo's buses, facilitating seamless fare integration under Ontario's One Fare Program [7] Group 3: Statements from Officials - Brampton's Mayor Patrick Brown emphasized the importance of innovations like Argo's Smart Routing™ in shaping the future of urban transit and enhancing convenience for residents [2] - Brampton Transit General Manager Heidi Dempster highlighted the service as a modern solution for first- and last-mile connectivity [3] - Argo's CEO Praveen Arichandran noted the partnership's significance in demonstrating how Smart Routing™ can strengthen existing transit services in a major city [8]

Core Insights - Argo Corporation has successfully integrated PRESTO fare-collection hardware on its Argo X1 electric buses in preparation for a public launch in Brampton [1][2] - The integration includes real-time GO Transit departure information in the Argo app, enhancing user experience and facilitating easier transfers [1][3] - The collaboration with Metrolinx aims to establish Ontario as a leader in modern transit systems, promoting on-demand service and improving public transit accessibility [4] PRESTO Fare Integration - Argo has entered into an agreement with Metrolinx to facilitate the integration of PRESTO fare-collection devices on Argo X1 buses [2] - This agreement allows for fare integration for transfers between Brampton Transit and GO Transit under Ontario's One Fare Program [2] GO Transit Feed Integration - The Smart Routing™ system by Argo provides on-demand service, picking riders up near their doors with electric buses [3] - The system has already enabled thousands of connections to Bradford GO Station, and the integration of real-time GO Transit feeds will allow riders to view live departure times in the Argo app [3] Company Vision - The CEO of Argo emphasizes the commitment to enhancing public transit in Ontario through partnerships with provincial and municipal entities [4] - Argo aims to create a vertically and publicly integrated city transit system that intelligently routes vehicles to meet urban mobility needs [4]