Salem Skipper Ride-Sharing Shuttle Tops 500K Rides Over 5 Years

SALEM, MA — Nearly five years after the launch of the Salem Skipper ride-sharing shuttle service to supplement public transportation in the Witch City, the program passed 500,000 rides as of Tuesday.

Former mayor and current Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll launched the service in December 2020 as a way to provide a lower-cost way of getting around the city and advancing the goal of becoming more of a "car-light" community.

Riders can book shared, routed trips through the Salem Skipper app or by phone for $2 or less. In May 2024, the service expanded to also serve parts of Danvers and Beverly.

"We're proud to celebrate how the Salem Skipper has transformed how people move around our city," Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo said. "This moment reflects how Salem is working to provide excellent and affordable transportation services designed for people of all ages, income levels, and abilities."

According to a recent rider survey, the city said the Salem Skipper is helping reduce transportation barriers and costs for residents:

• 46% report household incomes under $50,000
• 86% of riders say Salem Skipper helps them save money on transportation
• 72% say it enables them to afford trips they might not otherwise take
• 71% report a positive economic impact on their household or business
• 45% say they would have difficulty getting to work or job training without it

Learn more about the Salem Skipper here