MOD
MICROTRANSIT FAQ'S

Microtransit is “flexible transit.” It uses mobile technology to offer trips on-demand within specified zones. It is similar to Uber and Lyft in that it is a curb-to-curb service, but it is operated by transit. Microtransit is more flexible than rigid fixed routes and paratransit and uses smaller, more nimble vehicles.

To use MOD services you will need to create an account either through the MOD mobile app online or on a smartphone, or by calling customer service at (785) 783-7000 and selecting option #5. Your phone number will service as your unique identifier; because of this only one MOD account is allowed per phone number.

Currently, the MOD zone of service includes locations such as:

• Aldi’s (29th & Kansas)
• Boys & Girls Club (27th & Adams)
• Community Action Head Start Preschool
• Community Resources Council (CRC)/Avondale East
• Dillons (29th & California)
• Eisenhower Middle School
• GraceMed – Highland Park Family Clinic
• Highland Park Central Elementary
• Highland Park High School
• Hillcrest Community Center
• Ross Elementary
• Shawnee Country Club
• Southwest Publishing
• Topeka Housing Authority
• US Post Office - HiCrest Branch
• Walmart two locations: 25th & California and 37th & Kirklawn
• Washburn Tech East

A shared ride service means that you may be grouped with other travelers headed in the same direction, within the same timeframe. Depending on the time of day and number of travelers, your MOD vehicle may make a few stops along the way to pick up or drop off fellow passengers.

Currently, the designated MOD zone of service includes a portion of southeast Topeka.

The MOD zone overlaps with portions of the #4 California, #5 Indiana, #7 Washburn, and #29 West 29th Street fixed routes.

Absolutely! MOD can save you time by connecting you to a fixed route without the need to go to Quincy Street Station. Just enter a specific bus stop location within the MOD service zone as your pick up or drop off location. You can even time your MOD ride to sync up with the fixed route by making your MOD reservation an “arrive by” request. For more information, call customer service at (785) 783-7000 and select option #5.

Both pick up and drop off locations of a MOD trip request must lie within the MOD service zone. If one or both of the locations entered are outside the service area, the app will respond with “No rides available.”

Follow this link for information on our no-show policy.

MOD ride requests can be made via the MOD mobile app, the MOD website, or by calling customer service at (785) 783-7000 and selecting option #5.

Yes. Recurring rides can be set up by contacting customer service at (785) 783-7000, option #5. Please inform the scheduler if recurring rides are only needed for a specific window of time (ex: just for the next 6 months). Recurring ride requests can only be set up through customer service, not on the app.

When creating your ride request additional riders can be added under the “Riders” tab. When selecting riders in the MOD mobile app, “Adult” should be used for any rider aged 5 years or older. “Child” should be selected for any children below the age of 5 years.

If you used the MOD mobile app to make your reservation and you need to make changes to your ride request you can do so directly in the MOD mobile app, prior to driver arrival. If you did not use the MOD mobile app to make your reservation, please contact customer service promptly at (785) 783-7000, option #5, to modify your request.

If you used the MOD mobile app to make your reservation, it will show a red "pin" on the map based on the GPS. Double-check that the red pin matches the location you want before accepting your reservation details. GPS locations can be incorrect or can be moved by touching it with your finger. 

In addition, if you type in an address or apartment number, make sure the numbers are in exact order. If you believe you've made an error, promptly call customer service at (785) 783-7000, option #5. If not corrected, you could be considered a no-show. 

Follow this link for information on our no-show policy.

Yes, when setting up your ride request on the app or website, select the “Schedule request to leave at” option. This will allow you to select a future date and/or time for your ride.

Rides requested to leave as soon as possible will generally need to wait no more than 20 minutes before the driver arrives. Please be advised that on high-demand days the wait may be longer.

In general, MOD is a curb-to-curb service. This means passengers will be picked up and dropped off on the curb (or in the parking lot) of their requested address. For safety purposes, some larger complexes (such as shopping malls and industrial buildings) may have a designated MOD pick up/drop off location. If this is the case with your location, the MOD mobile app will direct you (with instructions and a map) to walk the short distance to the designated location.

If you used the MOD mobile app to make your request you can cancel your request directly in the MOD mobile app prior to driver arrival. If you did not use the MOD mobile app to make your reservation, please contact customer service at (785) 783-7000, option #5, to cancel your request.

The best user experience is through the MOD mobile app. However, you can also make a ride request on the MOD website or by calling customer service at (785) 783-7000 and selecting option #5.

MOD rides are available Monday – Friday from 5:35 a.m. to 6:40 p.m., and Saturday from 8:15 a.m. to 6:40 p.m.

Ride requests can be made up to 7 days in advance.

Passengers may pay with cash or with a debit or credit card. Paying with cash must be exact amount only, as drivers do not carry change, nor can fareboxes provide change.

As of March 27, 2023, debit and credit cards are accepted. Passengers wanting to use a card must input information on the MOD Topeka mobile app or go to www.modtopeka.app where the white box reads "Book/Change/Cancel a Ride".  Neither drivers or customer service can process debit or credit cards. If card payment hasn't been input, then the passenger must pay exact $2.00 cash in order to ride MOD.

No transfers are issued when accessing a fixed route. You must pay the normal Topeka Metro bus fare when boarding a fixed route bus.

Yes! MOD vehicles are equipped with lifts, and MOD service allows passengers to request rides on-demand (rather than the day before). Remember, both the pickup and drop off locations must be located within the MOD service zone.

Service animals are allowed on MOD vehicles. The service animal must be controlled by the owner, preferably with a leash or harness, and remain on the floor. Please be sure to add your service animal in the “Accessibility” tab of your ride request.

Yes. Strollers should be folded prior to boarding, and walkers should be secured and folded if necessary. Be sure to include your stroller, walker, or cart information in the “Accessibility” tab of your ride request.

At this time walk-up requests are not allowed. All ride requests must be made through the MOD mobile app, MOD website, or by calling customer service at (785) 783-7000 and selecting option #5.

All MOD vehicles are clearly marked with a large version of the blue and yellow MOD logo.

The $2 MOD fee is good for a single one-way ride. It does not include transfers to either fixed routes or other Topeka Metro services. Additional fees will be required for additional rides.

There is a $2 cash fee for a one-way ride. Exact fare is required, as drivers do not carry change. Please have your fare ready prior to boarding. No bus passes, ride cards, Washburn University IDs or Topeka 501 bus passes accepted. No transfers. Children under the age of 5 years ride for free (up to 3 children per paying adult passenger).

NEW! As of Monday, March 27, 2023, debit and credit cards are accepted. Passengers wanting to use a card must input information on the MOD Topeka mobile app or go to www.modtopeka.app where the white box reads "Book/Change/Cancel a Ride." Neither drivers or customer service can process debit or credit cards. Card payment must be made or passenger will need to pay exact $2.00 cash to ride. 

When selecting riders in the MOD mobile app, “Adult” should be used for any rider aged 5 years or older. “Child” should be selected for any children below the age of 5 years.

No, but children under the age of 5 years must be accompanied by an older child or adult.

Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) are welcome on MOD vehicles, but you should note the addition of a PCA under the “Riders” tab when making your ride request. PCAs must pay the $2 one-way fare to ride. MOD is a curb-to-curb service, not a door-to-door service; as such, the drivers do not provide assistance to or from the vehicle.

Companion/emotional support animals and pets are allowed only if fully secured in a latched pet carrier. Passengers are responsible for transporting the carrier and must maintain control of the animal at all times. Please be sure to add a pet carrier in the “Accessibility” tab of your ride request.

Every MOD vehicle is equipped with a front rack which can accommodate up to two (2) bicycles. For safety purposes, children’s bicycles, “fat tire” bicycles, mopeds, recreational scooters, and electric- or gasoline-powered bikes are not allowed on the rack or inside the bus. It is your responsibility to load and unload your bicycle. The bicycle rack is available on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to include your bicycle in the “Accessibility” tab of your ride request.

If you have difficulty stepping onto the MOD vehicle, the driver can deploy the lift for you to use and provide basic support with a hand or forearm hold. Due to liability issues, drivers will not provide assistance to or from the vehicle, nor will they load/unload passenger items or bags.

(Links to MOD mobile app terms/conditions and Rider Guidelines here)

Yes. Each MOD vehicle is equipped with a lift and mobility device securements for those who utilize a manual or electric mobility aid, such as a wheelchair or scooter. The mobility device must be in good working condition and have power, if applicable, in order to be transported. Please do not hang items on the mobility device that would make it difficult or prevent the driver from securing it. Wheelchairs and scooters must be fully secured by the driver prior to moving the vehicle.