By Dustin Luca Staff Writer Dec 17, 2020 1 of 5
JAIME CAMPOS/Staff photoDressed as an elf, comedian Mark Scalia waves from a Salem Skipper van Wednesday during the launch of the new ride-share service at Forten Park in Salem.
Jaime Campos
Jaime Campos
Jaime Campos
Jaime Campos
JAIME CAMPOS/Staff photoSalem Mayor Kim Driscoll takes a photo of the interior of one of the Salem Skipper vans.
Jaime Campos
SALEM â This is a ride you won t want to skip.
Salem Skipper, a ride-sharing service run by New York City-based transit provider Via, launched in Salem Wednesday morning.
Run primarily via smartphone, the service allows riders to call for transportation anywhere in Salem for $2 a ride. Seniors, students and riders with disabilities ride at a $1-per-ride rate. Riders will get their first 10 trips free until Feb. 16 as part of the program s launch.
UpdatedSun, Dec 20, 2020 at 2:20 pm ET
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The Salem Skipper can be hailed via a phone app or through calling the ride service and arranging for pickup. (City of Salem)
SALEM, MA Salem residents can now get around town for $2 or less as part of a new ride-sharing service called the Salem Skipper.
The service, which includes plexiglass partitions to allow for social distancing, will work like a minibus where riders can hail the Skipper through a phone app or through a phone call. Advanced algorithms will allow for multiple riders to share the same vehicle through directing passengers to nearby virtual bus stops within a short walking distance.