Vancouver-based transit technology company Spare has unveiled a new feature designed to improve the reliability of on-demand and paratransit services by incorporating live traffic data from Google Maps directly into its transit operations software.

Dubbed Spare Live Traffic, the integration is now active in several cities and is set to be available to Spare’s broader customer base in the coming weeks. The feature enhances Spare’s existing routing capabilities by allowing real-time adjustments based on current road conditions, including congestion, accidents, and closures.

According to Spare, early deployments have led to a reduction of up to 20% in late trips, suggesting a measurable improvement in service punctuality. The company emphasizes that the integration is especially impactful for paratransit services, which often serve riders with limited mobility who rely on consistent and predictable transportation.

“This is a significant leap forward for both riders and drivers,” said Kristoffer Vik Hansen, CEO of Spare. “Our integration with Google Maps Platform brings live traffic-aware navigation directly to drivers, enabling better on-time performance.”

The integration builds on Spare’s existing AI-powered routing engine, which has historically used predictive modelling to inform trip planning. By incorporating live data from Google Maps, Spare adds a dynamic layer to its system, allowing for route changes in response to traffic conditions as they happen.

Spare Live Traffic is currently available in beta through the company’s Driver App for North American customers.

Founded in Vancouver, Spare provides demand-responsive transit solutions to over 200 cities worldwide and has facilitated more than 25 million rides to date. Its platform is used by major public transit authorities across North America.